Matthew 27:17

Verse

So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

American Standard Version (1901)

When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?

Bible in Basic English

So when they came together, Pilate said to them, Whom will you have? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is named Christ?

Douay-Rheims 1899

They therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: Whom will you that I release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ?

Free Bible Version

So Pilate asked the crowds that had gathered, “Who do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, called the Messiah?”

Geneva Bible 1599

When they were then gathered together, Pilate said vnto the, Whether will ye that I let loose vnto you Barabbas, or Iesus which is called Christ?

King James (Authorized) Version

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

One Unity Resource Bible

When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate [Armed with javelin] said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Bar-Abba [Son Father], or Yeshua [Salvation], who is called Messiah [Anointed one]?”

Translation for Translators

So when the crowd gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which prisoner would you like me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus, whom some of you claim to be the Messiah?”

Unlocked Literal Bible

So when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Noah Webster Bible

Therefore when they were assembled, Pilate said to them, Whom will ye that I release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?

World English Bible

When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Young's Literal Translation

they therefore having been gathered together, Pilate said to them, 'Whom will ye I shall release to you? Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?'

Context

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

¹⁶At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.¹⁷So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”¹⁸For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

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Summary

In Matthew 27:17, Pilate presents the crowd with a choice between releasing Jesus, who is called the Christ, or Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. This scene reflects the theme of substitution, as the innocent Jesus is contrasted with the guilty Barabbas, symbolizing the exchange of Jesus' life for the freedom of humanity from sin. The crowd's decision to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross for the salvation of all people. This pivotal moment underscores the rejection of the Messiah by His own people and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus' sacrificial death.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Therefore when they were gathered together,.... Meaning not the chief priests and elders; for these were together before, but the common people; and so the Persic version renders the words, when the people increased into a multitude: for it was to them the release of a prisoner was to be made, and so the proposal of one; and it was at their option, who should be the person; for it was "whom they would", as in Mat 27:15, and where the Ethiopic version adds, "and should choose". Pilate said unto them, whom will ye that I should release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus, which is called Christ? He puts it to them, whom they would choose to have released, Barabbas, the thief and robber, the seditious person and murderer, or Jesus, whom some called the Christ, the Messiah, the king of the Jews. Pilate on purpose proposed such an infamous person along with him, not doubting but they would have preferred him, whatever were their prejudices against him, before such a scandalous person as Barabbas; and whatever good will they might secretly have to put Jesus to death, and release Barabbas, yet he thought they could not, for shame, speak out their sense, and desire him, and not Jesus. His view was not to reproach Christ, by joining him with so wicked a man, but in order to save him.