King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:17 Mean?

Matthew 27:17 in the King James Version says “Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Je... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

Matthew 27:17 · KJV


Context

15

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

16

And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

17

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? (Βαραββᾶν ἢ Ἰησοῦν τὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν;)—Pilate forced the choice into stark relief: the rebel or the Christ (Christos, Messiah/Anointed One). Some manuscripts read 'Jesus Barabbas,' making the choice between two men named Jesus—'son of the father' versus Son of the Father.

This was Pilate's attempt at reductio ad absurdum—surely they wouldn't choose a murderer over their supposed Messiah. But sin's logic is absurd: humanity consistently chooses rebellion over redemption, violence over peace, darkness over Light.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The gathered crowd likely included chief priests' supporters, not the masses who welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:9). Religious leaders manipulated public opinion, showing how mob dynamics can quickly turn from 'Hosanna' to 'Crucify.'

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do you still choose 'Barabbas'—rebellion, self-will, sin—over submitting to Christ's lordship?
  2. How does the crowd's fickleness warn against following popular opinion rather than truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
συνηγμένων1 of 17

when they were gathered together

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

οὖν2 of 17

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτοῖς3 of 17

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶπεν4 of 17

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 17

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸν6 of 17

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πιλᾶτος7 of 17

Pilate

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

Τίνα8 of 17

Whom

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

θέλετε9 of 17

will ye

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀπολύσω10 of 17

that I release

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

ὑμῖν11 of 17

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

Βαραββᾶν12 of 17

Barabbas

G912

son of abba; bar-abbas, an israelite

13 of 17

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

Ἰησοῦν14 of 17

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τὸν15 of 17

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λεγόμενον16 of 17

is called

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Χριστόν17 of 17

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 27:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 27:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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