Devine Scripture

Mark 15:7

What does Mark 15:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:7 means

Barabbas is introduced as a prisoner associated with insurrection and murder. He represents actual political violence—a rebel against Rome. The contrast between Barabbas and Jesus is striking: Barabbas is guilty of tangible crimes; Jesus is innocent. The crowd’s preference for Barabbas underscores the moral failure of the moment and the perversity of redeeming a violent criminal while condemning the Prince of Peace. The irony intensifies the gospel’s theme of substitutionary exchange.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was one named Barabbas, in prison with those who had gone against the government and in the fight had taken life.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and there was <FI>one<Fi> named Barabbas, bound with those making insurrection with him, who had in the insurrection committed murder.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was one called Barabbas, who was put in prison with some seditious men, who in the sedition had committed murder.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now there was the [person] named Barabbas bound with those who had made insurrection with [him], [and] that had committed murder in the insurrection.

Context

This immediately follows the statement of the festival custom. Naming Barabbas and describing his crimes heighten the contrast that will follow when the crowd chooses between him and Jesus. It frames the later release as a dramatic reversal of expectations and deepens the indictment of those who demand Jesus’ death.

v.6Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.

v.7This passage

v.8And the multitude went up and began to ask him to do as he was wont to do unto them.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 27:16

    And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

  • Luke 23:25

    And he released him that for insurrection and murder had been cast into prison, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.

  • Luke 23:18

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

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 15

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 15.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 15:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary