King James Version
Matthew 27:21 in the King James Version says “The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.”
Matthew 27:21 · KJV
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.
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“answered”
G611to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
“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
“Whether”
G5101an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
“will ye”
G2309to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
“of”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“that I release”
G630to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
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.
Matthew 27:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.