King James Version
What Does Luke 23:19 Mean?
“(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)”
Luke 23:19 · KJV
Context
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.)
20
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
21
But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWho for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison—Luke's description of Barabbas emphasizes violent criminality. The Greek stasis (sedition) means 'insurrection,' 'uprising,' 'rebellion'—precisely what the Jewish leaders falsely accused Jesus of doing (23:2). Barabbas stood guilty of actual sedition against Rome; Jesus was innocent of it yet condemned for it. The phrase and for murder (καὶ φόνον, kai phonon) compounds Barabbas's guilt—he was both rebel and killer.
The name 'Barabbas' (βαραββᾶς) means 'son of the father' in Aramaic (bar = son, abba = father). Some manuscripts read 'Jesus Barabbas,' heightening the irony: the crowd chooses Jesus son-of-a-human-father over Jesus the Son of God. Barabbas represents humanity—guilty, condemned, awaiting execution—while Jesus represents God's provision—innocent yet willing to take our place. The exchange is the gospel in miniature: the guilty go free because the innocent dies. This is substitutionary atonement dramatized in real history.
The name 'Barabbas' (βαραββᾶς) means 'son of the father' in Aramaic (bar = son, abba = father). Some manuscripts read 'Jesus Barabbas,' heightening the irony: the crowd chooses Jesus son-of-a-human-father over Jesus the Son of God. Barabbas represents humanity—guilty, condemned, awaiting execution—while Jesus represents God's provision—innocent yet willing to take our place. The exchange is the gospel in miniature: the guilty go free because the innocent dies. This is substitutionary atonement dramatized in real history.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
First-century Judea witnessed frequent uprisings against Roman rule. Zealots and sicarii (dagger-men) engaged in guerrilla warfare and assassinations. Barabbas was likely a Zealot revolutionary imprisoned for anti-Roman violence—perhaps connected to an uprising in Jerusalem that Roman troops had suppressed. His crimes made him a capital case under Roman law, whereas Jesus's 'crimes' were fabricated religious charges reframed as political ones.
Reflection Questions
- How does Barabbas's release in place of Jesus illustrate the doctrine of substitutionary atonement?
- What does the crowd's preference for a murderous rebel over the Prince of Peace reveal about human nature apart from grace?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 14 wordsστάσιν4 of 14
“sedition”
G4714a standing (properly, the act), i.e., (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy
γενομένην6 of 14
“made”
G1096to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ10 of 14
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς13 of 14
“into”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
φυλακήν14 of 14
“prison”
G5438a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
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 23:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Luke 23:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge