Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:15

What does Matthew 27:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:15 means

Matthew explains a custom of the feast: Pilate would release one prisoner to the crowd. This detail shows a Roman practice tied to carnival-like leniency during Passover, allowing the governor to gain public favor. It creates the narrative mechanism for choosing between Jesus and another prisoner. The custom also exposes how political theatre and crowd manipulation can decide life-and-death matters, setting the stage for the crowd’s fateful choice in favor of Barabbas.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now at the feast it was the way for the ruler to let free to the people one prisoner, at their selection.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And at the feast the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now at [the] feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the crowd, whom they would.

Context

This verse shifts to Pilate’s customary practice amid the trial. Coming after Pilate’s amazement at Jesus’ silence, it introduces a procedural device that will determine Jesus’ fate. Readers should see this custom as creating a morally significant test that reveals the crowd’s and leaders’ true preferences when given a choice.

v.14And he gave him no answer, not even to one word: insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

v.15This passage

v.16And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 24:27

    But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

  • Acts 25:9

    But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

  • Luke 23:16

    I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

  • John 19:16

    Then therefore he delivered him unto them to be crucified.

  • Mark 15:6

    Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.

  • John 18:38

    Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.

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