Luke 23:19
What does Luke 23:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:19 means
Barabbas is introduced as a man jailed for insurrection in the city and for murder. He is precisely the kind of threat Rome fears and the kind of man the leaders accused Jesus of being. The people choose a proven rebel and killer over the One who gives life. The contrast is deliberate: the wrong man is released, and the right man is condemned. This exchange brings into sharp relief the nature of Jesus’ mission. Though innocent, He will take the place of the guilty. Barabbas’s undeserved freedom foreshadows the grace sinners receive because Jesus bears the penalty they deserve.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000one who for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.
KJV
King James Version · 1611(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901one who for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now this man was in prison because of an attack against the government in the town, in which there had been loss of life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who had been, because of a certain sedition made in the city, and murder, cast into prison.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who, for a certain sedition made in the city and for a murder, was cast into prison.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who was one who, for a certain tumult which had taken place in the city, and [for] murder, had been cast into prison.
Context
Luke pauses to describe Barabbas so the reader feels the weight of the crowd’s demand. The narrative clarification makes Pilate’s next attempt to release Jesus more compelling and more futile. In the following verse, Pilate speaks again, desiring to free Jesus, but the people cry out for crucifixion. The scene becomes a tug-of-war between a hesitant governor and a relentless crowd, with justice being slowly crushed by insistence and fear of unrest.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 3:14
But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you,
- Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.
- Luke 23:5
But they were the more urgent, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Judæa, and beginning from Galilee even unto this place.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 23
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 23.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About The Cross
The cross of Jesus Christ is central to Christian faith, representing God's love, sacrifice, and the path to salvation, forgiveness, and new life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Trying to Forgive Someone
Honest scripture for when forgiveness feels impossible — or unfair.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.