Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:17

What does Matthew 27:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:17 means

Pilate publicly asks the assembled crowd whether he should release Barabbas or Jesus called Christ. This formal question gives the people the appearance of making the decision, but it also exposes Pilate’s own awareness of Jesus’ identity. Naming Jesus ‘who is called Christ’ underscores the accusation’s religious and political dimensions. Pilate’s question is loaded: he knows the leaders acted from envy, yet he allows the crowd to choose, inviting them to reveal their stance toward the Messiah.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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?

ASV

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse follows the presentation of Barabbas (v. 16) and sits at the pivotal moment of public decision. Pilate’s question is the narrative hinge where public sentiment will determine Jesus’ fate. The verse foreshadows the crowd’s tragic choice and highlights the interplay of Roman procedure and popular manipulation.

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

v.17This passage

v.18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.

Cross references

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

  • John 19:15

    They therefore cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar.

  • Mark 15:9

    And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

  • 1 Kings 18:21

    And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

  • Matthew 1:16

    and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

  • Joshua 24:15

    And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.

  • Matthew 27:21

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

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