Matthew 27:20
New International Version
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death.

English Standard Version
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

Berean Literal Bible
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas, and should destroy Jesus.

King James Bible
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

New King James Version
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

New American Standard Bible
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death.

NASB 1995
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

NASB 1977
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

Amplified Bible
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

Christian Standard Bible
The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus.

American Standard Version
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
But the chief priests and the leaders convinced the crowds to ask for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be killed.

English Revised Version
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the chief priests and leaders persuaded the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.

Good News Translation
The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask Pilate to set Barabbas free and have Jesus put to death.

International Standard Version
But the high priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to demand that Jesus be put to death.

Majority Standard Bible
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

NET Bible
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed.

New Heart English Bible
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
The High Priests, however, and the Elders urged the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to demand the death of Jesus.

World English Bible
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they might ask for themselves Barabbas, and might destroy Jesus;

Berean Literal Bible
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas, and should destroy Jesus.

Young's Literal Translation
And the chief priests and the elders did persuade the multitudes that they might ask for themselves Barabbas, and might destroy Jesus;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people, that they should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the leaders of the priests and the elders persuaded the people, so that they would ask for Barabbas, and so that Jesus would perish.

New American Bible
The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the high priests and the elders urged the people to ask for Bar-Abbas, and to destroy Jesus.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the Chief Priests and the Elders had persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabba, but to destroy Yeshua.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitude to ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
And the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the populace that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Mace New Testament
but the chief priests and senators persuaded the people to demand Barabbas, and put to death Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
The High Priests, however, and the Elders urged the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to demand the death of Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
But the high priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes, that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Worsley New Testament
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the common people to ask for Barabbas, and so to destroy Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
19While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. 21“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.…

Cross References
Mark 15:11
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead.

Luke 23:18-23
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.) / Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, ...

John 18:40
“Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)

Acts 3:14
You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.

Acts 13:28
And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.

John 19:15
At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests.

Matthew 26:59-60
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward

Matthew 21:38-39
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ / So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

John 11:47-53
Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...

Acts 4:25-28
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. ...

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Matthew 21:15
But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Matthew 23:13
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.

Isaiah 53:3
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.

Psalm 2:1-3
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”


Treasury of Scripture

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

persuaded.

Mark 15:11
But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

Acts 14:18,19
And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them…

Acts 19:23-29
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way…

should.

Luke 23:18-20
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: …

John 18:40
Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 19:15,16
But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar…

Jump to Previous
Authority Barabbas Barab'bas Beg Chief Crowd Crowds Death Demand Destroy Elders Executed High However Jesus Multitude Multitudes Persuade Persuaded Priests Request Themselves Urged
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Authority Barabbas Barab'bas Beg Chief Crowd Crowds Death Demand Destroy Elders Executed High However Jesus Multitude Multitudes Persuade Persuaded Priests Request Themselves Urged
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.














But the chief priests and elders
This phrase highlights the religious leaders of the Jewish community, who were influential figures in the Sanhedrin, the ruling council. The Greek word for "chief priests" is "archiereis," indicating those who held the highest religious offices, including the high priest. "Elders" translates to "presbyteroi," referring to respected leaders or senior members of the community. Historically, these leaders were expected to guide the people in spiritual matters, yet here they are seen orchestrating a plot against Jesus, showcasing a tragic misuse of their authority.

persuaded the crowds
The Greek word "epeisan" is used here, meaning to convince or win over. This indicates a deliberate and strategic effort by the religious leaders to influence public opinion. The crowds, likely gathered for the Passover festival, were swayed by the leaders' authority and rhetoric. This reflects the power of persuasion and the susceptibility of public opinion to manipulation, a theme that resonates throughout history.

to ask for Barabbas
Barabbas, whose name means "son of the father" in Aramaic, was a notorious prisoner. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas is deeply symbolic. Barabbas represents rebellion and violence, while Jesus embodies peace and salvation. The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus is a poignant moment, illustrating humanity's tendency to choose the tangible and immediate over the spiritual and eternal.

and to have Jesus put to death
The phrase "put to death" translates from the Greek "apolesosin," meaning to destroy or kill. This reflects the ultimate rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and the crowd. It fulfills the prophetic words of Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant is despised and rejected. This moment is central to the Christian faith, as it leads to the crucifixion, which Christians believe is the means of salvation for humanity.

(20) The chief priests and elders.--Brief as the statement is it implies much; the members of the Sanhedrin standing before Pilate's palace, mingling with the crowd, whispering--now to this man, now to that--praises of the robber, scoffs and slander against the Christ. As the next verse shows, they did their work effectively.

Verse 20. - But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude. For a short time the people appear to have wavered in their choice, and Pilate had hopes that his stratagem worked well. But the Sanhedrists were at hand with their insidious suggestions; not a voice was raised for Christ; all his friends were scattered or silenced; and his enemies easily swayed the fickle crowd. That they should ask (ask for) Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. By directing popular favour to Barabbas, they could make the condemnation of Jesus more certain. The expression in the Greek implies that they used their persuasive powers in order that (ἵνα) the people should demand the release of Barabbas, and compass the death of Jesus.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

the
Οἱ (Hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chief priests
ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

elders
πρεσβύτεροι (presbyteroi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

persuaded
ἔπεισαν (epeisan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowds
ὄχλους (ochlous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

ask for
αἰτήσωνται (aitēsōntai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 154: To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.

Barabbas
Βαραββᾶν (Barabban)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 912: Barabbas. Of Chaldee origin; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite.

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

to have Jesus put to death.
ἀπολέσωσιν (apolesōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 622: From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 27:20 Now the chief priests and the elders (Matt. Mat Mt)
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