Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:20

What does Matthew 27:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:20 means

The chief priests and elders manipulate the crowd to demand Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ destruction. They actively persuade the people, showing their leadership in fomenting outrage. Their goal is not truth but the removal of Jesus. This indicates the intentional, political character of the rejection; the crowd is not an autonomous judge but a mob influenced by elites. The phrase ‘destroy Jesus’ captures their desire for total elimination, spiritual and physical, of the perceived threat.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the chief priests and those in authority got the people to make request for Barabbas, and for Jesus to be put to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the chief priests and the elders did persuade the multitudes that they might ask for themselves Barabbas, and might destroy Jesus;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people that they should ask Barabbas and make Jesus away.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds that they should beg for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Context

This verse follows the wife’s warning to Pilate (v. 19) and shows the religious leaders’ counter-efforts to secure Jesus’ demise. It highlights their orchestration of public sentiment and sets up the crowd’s response in verses 21–24. Their persuasion reveals the communal nature of the condemnation.

v.19And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

v.20This passage

v.21But the governor answered and said unto them, Which of the two will ye that I release unto you? And they said, Barabbas.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 15:11

    But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

  • Acts 19:23

    And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way.

  • John 18:40

    They cried out therefore again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

  • Luke 23:18

    But they cried out all together, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:—

  • 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.

  • Acts 3:14

    But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you,

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