King James Version
What Does Luke 23:17 Mean?
“(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)”
Luke 23:17 · KJV
Context
15
No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
16
I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
17
(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
18
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
19
(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFor of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast—This parenthetical note explains the custom underlying Pilate's strategy. The phrase of necessity (ἀνάγκην, anankēn) indicates established obligation, though no Roman law mandated this practice. The Passover amnesty custom (also mentioned in Matthew 27:15, Mark 15:6, John 18:39) allowed the people to choose one prisoner for release, likely a gesture to maintain peace during the volatile festival when Jerusalem swelled with Jewish pilgrims remembering liberation from Egypt.
This custom becomes the stage for humanity's archetypal choice: Christ or Barabbas, the Savior or the sinner, the Prince of Peace or the violent rebel. The Greek anankēn eichen apolýein (he had necessity to release) frames this as Pilate's perceived obligation—whether legal requirement or political necessity. God's sovereignty uses even pagan customs to illuminate spiritual truth: we all deserve Barabbas's fate (rebels against God's kingdom), but Christ took our place, released us, and bore our judgment.
This custom becomes the stage for humanity's archetypal choice: Christ or Barabbas, the Savior or the sinner, the Prince of Peace or the violent rebel. The Greek anankēn eichen apolýein (he had necessity to release) frames this as Pilate's perceived obligation—whether legal requirement or political necessity. God's sovereignty uses even pagan customs to illuminate spiritual truth: we all deserve Barabbas's fate (rebels against God's kingdom), but Christ took our place, released us, and bore our judgment.
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Historical & Cultural Context
No Roman or Jewish source outside the Gospels documents this Passover amnesty custom, though Pilate had authority to grant clemency. The practice parallels the lectisternium (releasing prisoners during Roman religious festivals) and fits Passover's liberation theme. Ancient governors often granted amnesty during major festivals to maintain goodwill with subject populations—pragmatic politics dressed as benevolence.
Reflection Questions
- How does the Passover amnesty custom (celebrating release from Egyptian bondage) ironically frame the people's rejection of their true Liberator?
- What does the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas reveal about humanity's natural preference when confronted with God's righteousness?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 8 wordsεἶχεν3 of 8
“he must”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀπολύειν4 of 8
“release”
G630to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
αὐτοῖς5 of 8
“unto them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κατὰ6 of 8
“at”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Luke 23:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.