Devine Scripture

Mark 15:6

What does Mark 15:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:6 means

Mark explains a custom: during the feast, Pilate customarily released a prisoner chosen by the crowd. This detail shows how Roman governors used showy acts of clemency to win public favor during festivals. The custom creates the narrative device that allows Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ condemnation, emphasizing the tragic irony that the innocent will be punished while a guilty man goes free. It also highlights how public opinion, manipulated by leaders, will decide justice rather than careful judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now at the feast every year he let one prisoner go free at their request.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And at every feast he was releasing to them one prisoner, whomsoever they were asking;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now on the festival day he was wont to release unto them one of the prisoners, whomsoever they demanded.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But at [the] feast he released to them one prisoner, whomsoever they begged [of him].

Context

This note follows Pilate’s marveling and sets the scene for the crowd’s choice. By reminding readers of the custom, Mark prepares the reader for the dramatic exchange where the crowd prefers Barabbas over Jesus. It emphasizes the political theater and communal dynamics that lead to Jesus’ crucifixion.

v.5But Jesus no more answered anything; insomuch that Pilate marvelled.

v.6This passage

v.7And there was one called Barabbas, lying bound with them that had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 27:15

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

  • Matthew 26:2

    Ye know that after two days the passover cometh, and the Son of man is delivered up to be crucified.

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • Luke 23:16

    I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

  • Matthew 26:5

    But they said, Not during the feast, lest a tumult arise among the people.

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