Luke 23:25
What does Luke 23:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:25 means
Pilate releases the insurrectionist and murderer Barabbas, the man the crowd requested, and delivers Jesus over to their will. The exchange is deliberate and sobering: the guilty man gains freedom; the righteous man goes to the cross. Luke’s wording emphasizes human responsibility—“their will”—while the larger story reveals divine sovereignty. Jesus is not a victim of chance but a willing sufferer, yielding to the Father’s plan. Barabbas’s escape highlights the very heart of salvation: the innocent takes the place of the guilty. This substitution, enacted in history, points to the atonement Jesus accomplishes through His death.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he released him that for insurrection and murder had been cast into prison, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he released him that for insurrection and murder had been cast into prison, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And in answer to their request, he let that man go free who had been in prison for acting against the government and causing death, and Jesus he gave up to their pleasure.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he released him who because of sedition and murder hath been cast into the prison, whom they were asking, and Jesus he gave up to their will.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he released unto them him who for murder and sedition had been cast into prison, whom they had desired. But Jesus he delivered up to their will.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he released him who, for tumult and murder, had been cast into prison, whom they begged for, and Jesus he delivered up to their will.
Context
With the sentence pronounced, the actual exchange occurs. Barabbas is freed, Jesus is surrendered. The trial phase ends, and the execution phase begins. The next verses take us onto the road as Jesus is led away. There we meet Simon of Cyrene pressed into service, the mourning women, and Jesus’ prophetic words about coming judgment. The narrative tone shifts from courtroom dialogue to the solemn march toward Golgotha, where the crucifixion will occur.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 12:13
Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have asked for: and, behold, Jehovah hath set a king over 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.
- Mark 15:6
Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.
- Mark 15:15
And Pilate, wishing to content the multitude, released unto them Barabbas, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
- 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.
- Acts 3:14
But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you,
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.