Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:21

What does Matthew 27:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:21 means

Pilate repeats his question about which prisoner to release, and the crowd responds, ‘Barabbas.’ The people’s choice marks the pivotal moment of rejection: they prefer a convicted insurgent over Jesus. This decision reveals how the crowd, swayed by leaders or self-interest, chooses the path of least resistance. It also furthers the theme of substitution: Barabbas goes free while the innocent one takes his place. The crowd’s cry reveals the moral failure of the public sphere in this moment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the ruler made answer and said to them, Which of the two is it your pleasure that I let go free? And they said, Barabbas.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the governor answering said to them, `Which of the two will ye <FI>that<Fi> I shall release to you?' And they said, `Barabbas.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said: Barabbas.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse follows the leaders’ persuasion (v. 20) and records the crowd’s answer to Pilate’s formal question (v. 17). It is the turning point that seals Jesus’ fate, showing how public opinion, not justice, determines outcome. The narrative tension now moves to the consequences of that choice.

v.20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

v.21This passage

v.22Pilate saith unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let him be crucified.

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