Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. New Living Translation Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. English Standard Version Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. Berean Standard Bible Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. Berean Literal Bible And at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the multitude, whom they were wishing. King James Bible Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. New King James Version Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. New American Standard Bible Now at the Passover Feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. NASB 1995 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. NASB 1977 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the multitude any one prisoner whom they wanted. Legacy Standard Bible Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. Amplified Bible Now at the feast [of the Passover] the governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner whom the people chose. Christian Standard Bible At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. Holman Christian Standard Bible At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. American Standard Version Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. Contemporary English Version During Passover the governor always freed a prisoner chosen by the people. English Revised Version Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. GOD'S WORD® Translation At every Passover festival the governor would free one prisoner whom the crowd wanted. Good News Translation At every Passover Festival the Roman governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner the crowd asked for. International Standard Version At every festival the governor had a custom of releasing to the crowd any prisoner whom they wanted. Majority Standard Bible Now it was the governor?s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. NET Bible During the feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the crowd, whomever they wanted. New Heart English Bible Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner, whom they desired. Webster's Bible Translation Now at that feast, the governor was wont to release to the people a prisoner, whom they would. Weymouth New Testament "Now it was the Governor's custom at the Festival to release some one prisoner, whomsoever the populace desired; World English Bible Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner whom they desired. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd at the celebration the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed, Berean Literal Bible And at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the multitude, whom they were wishing. Young's Literal Translation And at the feast the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed, Smith's Literal Translation And in the festival the leader was accustomed to loose one imprisoned to the crowd, which they desired. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would. Catholic Public Domain Version Now on the solemn day, the procurator was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whomever they wished. New American Bible Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. New Revised Standard Version Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow on every feast day it was the custom of the governor to release one prisoner to the people, anyone whom they wanted. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Now, at every feast, the Governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the people, whomever they had chosen. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentNow at the feast, the governor was in the habit of releasing to the multitude one prisoner, whom they chose. Godbey New Testament And the governor during the feast was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they wished. Haweis New Testament Now at the feast, the governor had been accustomed to release one prisoner to the people, whomsoever they chose. Mace New Testament Now it was customary at that feast for the governor to release a prisoner, such as the people should nominate. Weymouth New Testament "Now it was the Governor's custom at the Festival to release some one prisoner, whomsoever the populace desired; Worrell New Testament And at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired; Worsley New Testament Now the governor used at the feast to release a prisoner to the people, whomsoever they desired: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Crowd Chooses Barabbas14But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement. 15Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. 16At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.… Cross References Mark 15:6-15 Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. / And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. / So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom. ... Luke 23:17-25 Now Pilate was obliged to release to the people one prisoner at the feast. / But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” / (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) ... John 18:39-40 But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” / “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.) Acts 3:13-14 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. / You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. John 19:12-16 From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ... Matthew 26:5 “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” John 18:28-32 Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” ... Matthew 20:18-19 “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death / and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life.” Isaiah 53:3-7 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ... Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Daniel 9:26 Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. Psalm 22:6-8 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.” Isaiah 50:6 I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle. Psalm 118:22-23 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Treasury of Scripture Now at that feast the governor was wont to release to the people a prisoner, whom they would. Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. Mark 15:6,8 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired… Luke 23:16,17 I will therefore chastise him, and release him… Jump to Previous Accustomed Chosen Crowd Custom Desired Feast Festival Free Governor Governor's Multitude Populace Prisoner Release Ruler Selection Wanted Way Whomsoever Willed WontJump to Next Accustomed Chosen Crowd Custom Desired Feast Festival Free Governor Governor's Multitude Populace Prisoner Release Ruler Selection Wanted Way Whomsoever Willed WontMatthew 27 1. Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.3. Judas hangs himself. 19. Pilate, admonished of his wife, 20. and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas. 27. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns; 33. crucified; 39. reviled; 50. dies, and is buried; 62. his tomb is sealed and watched. Now it was the governor’s custom The practice of releasing a prisoner during a festival was a Roman custom, reflecting the Roman authority's attempt to maintain peace and goodwill among the subjugated populations. This custom is not documented outside the Gospels, but it aligns with Roman practices of clemency and public appeasement. The governor here refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea, who held the power to grant such pardons. at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing Persons / Places / Events 1. Governor (Pontius Pilate)The Roman governor of Judea, responsible for maintaining order and administering justice. Pilate plays a crucial role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. 2. The Feast (Passover) A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner to the Jewish people during this time as a gesture of goodwill. 3. The Crowd The assembly of Jewish people present in Jerusalem for the Passover festival. They are given the choice to release a prisoner, which becomes a pivotal moment in the Passion account. 4. Prisoner The individual chosen by the crowd to be released. In the context of Matthew 27, this refers to Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. 5. Barabbas A criminal who was imprisoned for insurrection and murder. The crowd chooses to release him instead of Jesus, highlighting the rejection of Christ by His own people. Teaching Points Understanding Custom and TraditionThe practice of releasing a prisoner during Passover reflects the intersection of Roman authority and Jewish tradition. It serves as a reminder of how cultural customs can influence significant events. The Choice of the Crowd The decision to release Barabbas over Jesus illustrates the fickle nature of public opinion and the danger of following the crowd without discernment. The Rejection of Jesus This event foreshadows the broader rejection of Jesus by His own people, fulfilling prophetic scriptures about the Messiah being despised and rejected. God's Sovereignty in Human Decisions Despite the crowd's choice, God's redemptive plan through Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection was not thwarted. This teaches us about God's sovereignty and purpose even in human decisions. Personal Reflection on Choices Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own choices and allegiances, ensuring they align with Christ rather than the prevailing opinions of the world.(15) The governor was wont to release.--It is not known when the practice began, nor whether it was primarily a Jewish or a Roman one. The fact that the release of criminals was a common incident of a Latin lectisternium, or feast in honour of the gods, makes the latter the more probable. If introduced by Pilate (and this is the only recorded instance of the practice) it was, we may believe, a concession intended to conciliate those whom his previous severities had alienated. Before this stage of the proceedings we have to place (1) the second conference between Pilate and the priests after his dialogue with our Lord (Luke 23:4-5), and their definite charge of sedition, now urged for the first time; and (2) his attempt, catching at the word "Galilee" as the scene of our Lord's work, to transfer the responsibility of judging to Herod (Luke 23:6-12).Verses 15-26. - Barabbas preferred to Jesus. (Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:17-25; John 18:39, 40.) Verse 15. - Pilate now tries another expedient for delivering himself from the responsibility of condemning Jesus. At that feast (κατὰ ἑορτήν, at a feast, at feast time). Doubtless the Passover is meant, which was the feast especially of the Jews, and it is very improbable that the practice mentioned in the clause was allowed at any other of the feasts. The governor was wont to release unto the people (τῷ ὄχλῳ, the multitude), etc. St. Luke says, "Of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast." The custom is not elsewhere mentioned. It was, however, most probably an institution established of old time in memory of the Exodus (John 18:39), and continued by the Romans when they became masters of the country. A similar custom obtained at Rome and in Greece on certain great festivals. Whom they would. The governor usually left the priests and people unfettered in their choice; on the present occasion he desired Jesus to be selected. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Nowδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. [it was] the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. governor’s ἡγεμὼν (hēgemōn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2232: From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province. custom εἰώθει (eiōthei) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1486: To be accustomed, custom, what was customary. A primary verb; to be used; neuter perfect participle usage. at Κατὰ (Kata) Preposition Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). [the] feast ἑορτὴν (heortēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1859: A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival. to release ἀπολύειν (apolyein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce. to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. crowd ὄχλῳ (ochlō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot. a ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. prisoner δέσμιον (desmion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 1198: One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive. of ὃν (hon) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. their choosing. ἤθελον (ēthelon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. Links Matthew 27:15 NIVMatthew 27:15 NLT Matthew 27:15 ESV Matthew 27:15 NASB Matthew 27:15 KJV Matthew 27:15 BibleApps.com Matthew 27:15 Biblia Paralela Matthew 27:15 Chinese Bible Matthew 27:15 French Bible Matthew 27:15 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 27:15 Now at the feast the governor was (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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