Matthew 27:15
New International Version
Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.

New Living Translation
Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted.

English Standard Version
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted.

Berean Standard Bible
Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.

Berean Literal Bible
And at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the multitude, whom they were wishing.

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

New King James Version
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.

New American Standard Bible
Now at the Passover Feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted.

NASB 1995
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted.

NASB 1977
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the multitude any one prisoner whom they wanted.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted.

Amplified Bible
Now at the feast [of the Passover] the governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner whom the people chose.

Christian Standard Bible
At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted.

American Standard Version
Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would.

Contemporary English Version
During Passover the governor always freed a prisoner chosen by the people.

English Revised Version
Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At every Passover festival the governor would free one prisoner whom the crowd wanted.

Good News Translation
At every Passover Festival the Roman governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner the crowd asked for.

International Standard Version
At every festival the governor had a custom of releasing to the crowd any prisoner whom they wanted.

Majority Standard Bible
Now it was the governor?s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.

NET Bible
During the feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the crowd, whomever they wanted.

New Heart English Bible
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner, whom they desired.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now at that feast, the governor was wont to release to the people a prisoner, whom they would.

Weymouth New Testament
"Now it was the Governor's custom at the Festival to release some one prisoner, whomsoever the populace desired;

World English Bible
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner whom they desired.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And at the celebration the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed,

Berean Literal Bible
And at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the multitude, whom they were wishing.

Young's Literal Translation
And at the feast the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed,

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the festival the leader was accustomed to loose one imprisoned to the crowd, which they desired.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now on the solemn day, the procurator was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whomever they wished.

New American Bible
Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished.

New Revised Standard Version
Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now on every feast day it was the custom of the governor to release one prisoner to the people, anyone whom they wanted.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Now, at every feast, the Governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the people, whomever they had chosen.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now at the feast, the governor was in the habit of releasing to the multitude one prisoner, whom they chose.

Godbey New Testament
And the governor during the feast was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they wished.

Haweis New Testament
Now at the feast, the governor had been accustomed to release one prisoner to the people, whomsoever they chose.

Mace New Testament
Now it was customary at that feast for the governor to release a prisoner, such as the people should nominate.

Weymouth New Testament
"Now it was the Governor's custom at the Festival to release some one prisoner, whomsoever the populace desired;

Worrell New Testament
And at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired;

Worsley New Testament
Now the governor used at the feast to release a prisoner to the people, whomsoever they desired:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
14But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement. 15Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. 16At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.…

Cross References
Mark 15:6-15
Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. / And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. / So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom. ...

Luke 23:17-25
Now Pilate was obliged to release to the people one prisoner at the feast. / But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” / (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) ...

John 18:39-40
But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” / “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)

Acts 3:13-14
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. / You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.

John 19:12-16
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...

Matthew 26:5
“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

John 18:28-32
Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” ...

Matthew 20:18-19
“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death / and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life.”

Isaiah 53:3-7
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ...

Psalm 69:4
Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Daniel 9:26
Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed.

Psalm 22:6-8
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”

Isaiah 50:6
I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

Psalm 118:22-23
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Matthew 26:5
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

Mark 15:6,8
Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired…

Luke 23:16,17
I will therefore chastise him, and release him

Jump to Previous
Accustomed Chosen Crowd Custom Desired Feast Festival Free Governor Governor's Multitude Populace Prisoner Release Ruler Selection Wanted Way Whomsoever Willed Wont
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Accustomed Chosen Crowd Custom Desired Feast Festival Free Governor Governor's Multitude Populace Prisoner Release Ruler Selection Wanted Way Whomsoever Willed Wont
Matthew 27
1. Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.
3. Judas hangs himself.
19. Pilate, admonished of his wife,
20. and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.
27. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;
33. crucified;
39. reviled;
50. dies, and is buried;
62. his tomb is sealed and watched.














Now
The word "Now" serves as a transitional term, indicating a shift in the narrative. It connects the preceding events of Jesus' trial before Pilate with the subsequent decision-making process. In the Greek, "δέ" (de) is often used to introduce a new development or contrast, highlighting the unfolding of divine providence in the Passion narrative.

it was the governor’s custom
This phrase refers to a practice established by the Roman authorities, specifically by the governor, to release a prisoner during the Jewish feast of Passover. The Greek word "ἔθος" (ethos) implies a tradition or habitual practice. Historically, this custom was likely a political strategy to maintain peace and goodwill among the Jewish populace during a significant religious festival.

at the feast
The "feast" mentioned here is the Passover, a pivotal Jewish celebration commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage. The Greek term "ἑορτή" (heortē) underscores the importance of this event in Jewish religious life. The timing of Jesus' trial and crucifixion during Passover is theologically significant, as it aligns with the theme of liberation and sacrifice.

to release to the crowd
The act of releasing a prisoner "to the crowd" suggests a public spectacle, where the decision is placed in the hands of the people. The Greek "ἀπολύω" (apolyō) means to set free or liberate, which contrasts with the binding and condemnation of Jesus. This practice reflects the Roman authorities' attempt to appease the masses and prevent unrest.

a prisoner
The term "prisoner" refers to someone held in custody, often for crimes against the state or public order. In the context of the Passion narrative, the choice between Jesus and Barabbas symbolizes the deeper spiritual choice between the innocent Christ and the guilty world. The Greek "δέσμιος" (desmios) indicates one who is bound, highlighting the irony of Jesus, the true liberator, being treated as a criminal.

of their choosing
The phrase "of their choosing" emphasizes the role of the crowd in determining the outcome. The Greek "βούλομαι" (boulomai) suggests a deliberate decision or preference. This moment underscores the theme of human free will and responsibility in the rejection of Christ, as well as the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures regarding the Messiah's suffering and rejection.

(15) The governor was wont to release.--It is not known when the practice began, nor whether it was primarily a Jewish or a Roman one. The fact that the release of criminals was a common incident of a Latin lectisternium, or feast in honour of the gods, makes the latter the more probable. If introduced by Pilate (and this is the only recorded instance of the practice) it was, we may believe, a concession intended to conciliate those whom his previous severities had alienated. Before this stage of the proceedings we have to place (1) the second conference between Pilate and the priests after his dialogue with our Lord (Luke 23:4-5), and their definite charge of sedition, now urged for the first time; and (2) his attempt, catching at the word "Galilee" as the scene of our Lord's work, to transfer the responsibility of judging to Herod (Luke 23:6-12).

Verses 15-26. - Barabbas preferred to Jesus. (Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:17-25; John 18:39, 40.) Verse 15. - Pilate now tries another expedient for delivering himself from the responsibility of condemning Jesus. At that feast (κατὰ ἑορτήν, at a feast, at feast time). Doubtless the Passover is meant, which was the feast especially of the Jews, and it is very improbable that the practice mentioned in the clause was allowed at any other of the feasts. The governor was wont to release unto the people (τῷ ὄχλῳ, the multitude), etc. St. Luke says, "Of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast." The custom is not elsewhere mentioned. It was, however, most probably an institution established of old time in memory of the Exodus (John 18:39), and continued by the Romans when they became masters of the country. A similar custom obtained at Rome and in Greece on certain great festivals. Whom they would. The governor usually left the priests and people unfettered in their choice; on the present occasion he desired Jesus to be selected.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[it was] the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

governor’s
ἡγεμὼν (hēgemōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2232: From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province.

custom
εἰώθει (eiōthei)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1486: To be accustomed, custom, what was customary. A primary verb; to be used; neuter perfect participle usage.

at
Κατὰ (Kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[the] feast
ἑορτὴν (heortēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1859: A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival.

to release
ἀπολύειν (apolyein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd
ὄχλῳ (ochlō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

a
ἕνα (hena)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

prisoner
δέσμιον (desmion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1198: One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.

of
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

their choosing.
ἤθελον (ēthelon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.


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