Matthew 27:21

Verse

“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.

American Standard Version (1901)

But the governor answered and said unto them, Which of the two will ye that I release unto you? And they said, Barabbas.

Bible in Basic English

But the ruler made answer and said to them, Which of the two is it your pleasure that I let go free? And they said, Barabbas.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said, Barabbas.

Free Bible Version

When the governor asked them, “So which of the two do you want me to release to you?” they answered, “Barabbas.”

Geneva Bible 1599

Then the gouernour answered, and said vnto them, Whether of the twaine will ye that I let loose vnto you? And they said, Barabbas.

King James (Authorized) Version

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

One Unity Resource Bible

But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Bar-Abba [Son Father]!”

Translation for Translators

So when the governor asked them, “Which of the two men do you want me to release for you?” They replied, “Barabbas!”

Unlocked Literal Bible

The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas.”

Noah Webster Bible

The governor answered and said to them, Which of the two will ye that I release to you? They said, Barabbas.

World English Bible

But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

Young's Literal Translation

and the governor answering said to them, 'Which of the two will ye [that] I shall release to you?' And they said, 'Barabbas.'

Context

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

²⁰But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. ²¹“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.

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Summary

In this verse, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, is presenting Jesus and Barabbas to the crowd, asking them to choose who should be released. The crowd, influenced by the chief priests and elders, demands the release of Barabbas, a notorious criminal, instead of Jesus. This moment reflects the injustice and manipulation that led to Jesus' crucifixion, showcasing the sinful nature of humanity and the fulfillment of God's plan for Jesus to be the sacrificial Lamb for the salvation of all.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Pilate saith unto them,.... As one astonished at their choice: he could not have thought they would have asked the life of so vile a wretch, that had been guilty of such capital crimes, crimes to be abhorred by all men: what shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ? Surely you would not have me put him to death, and that for no other reason but this, because he is called either by himself or others, Christ, or the Messiah, or the king of the Jews! they all say unto him, let him be crucified; which was a Roman punishment, inflicted on the meanest and worst of men; as wicked servants, thieves, robbers, and cut-throats (o); and so was not only a torturing and painful death, but a very shameful and ignominious one; yea, an accursed one: in this they all agreed, being instigated to it by the chief priests and elders. (o) Lipsius de Cruce, l. 1. c. 12, 13.