15:10 15:10

Mark 15:11

15:12 15:12

Bible Versions

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
But {G1161} the chief priests {G749} moved {G383} the people {G3793}, that {G2443} he should rather {G3123} release {G630} Barabbas {G912} unto them {G846}.
But the head cohanim stirred up the crowd to have him release Bar-Abba for them instead.
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead.
But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

Mark 15:11 captures a pivotal moment during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, illustrating the immense power of manipulation and the tragic rejection of truth by a swayed populace.

Context

This verse is set within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically during His appearance before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. It was a custom at the Passover feast for the governor to release one prisoner to the people, a gesture of goodwill. Pilate, finding no fault in Jesus, initially sought to release Him, offering the crowd a choice between Jesus, whom he called "the King of the Jews," and Barabbas, a notorious rebel and murderer (Mark 15:7). However, the chief priests, who deeply resented Jesus' popularity and teachings, actively intervened to subvert Pilate's intention.

Key Themes

  • Manipulation and Influence: The verse explicitly states that the chief priests "moved the people." This highlights their cunning and powerful influence over the crowd, demonstrating how religious leaders can use their position to incite public opinion against an innocent party. This manipulation ultimately led to the crowd's demand for Barabbas's release and Jesus' crucifixion (Mark 15:13).
  • Rejection of Christ: The crowd's choice of a known criminal and insurrectionist over Jesus, the Messiah, is a profound and tragic rejection. Despite Jesus' miraculous works and teachings, the people, under the influence of their leaders, chose darkness over light, sin over salvation. This act underscores the spiritual blindness that can occur when truth is obscured by prejudice and falsehood.
  • Injustice and Mob Mentality: The scene vividly portrays a miscarriage of justice, where an innocent man is condemned due to popular demand fueled by malicious intent. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of mob mentality, where collective emotion can override reason, fairness, and individual conscience, leading to devastating consequences.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "moved" is anesisan (ἀνέσεισαν), which literally means "to stir up," "to incite," or "to agitate." It conveys a sense of active and forceful persuasion, indicating that the chief priests were not merely suggesting but actively working to rally and manipulate the crowd's emotions and will. This strong verb emphasizes their deliberate and effective orchestration of the crowd's response.

The name Barabbas (Βαραββᾶς) itself is significant, possibly meaning "son of the father" or "son of Abba." The stark contrast between "Jesus Barabbas" (as He is called in some ancient manuscripts of Matthew 27:16, though not in Mark) and Jesus Christ, the true Son of the Father, highlights the ironic and tragic choice made by the people.

Practical Application

  • Discerning Truth and Influence: In our own lives, we are constantly exposed to various influences and narratives. This verse reminds us of the importance of critically evaluating information and discerning truth, rather than blindly following popular opinion or the agendas of powerful figures. We must guard against being "moved" by rhetoric that lacks integrity.
  • Standing for Justice: The passage calls us to reflect on our responsibility to stand for justice and truth, even when it is unpopular or goes against the prevailing current. It challenges us to speak up against injustice and manipulation, rather than being swept away by a mob mentality.
  • The Gravity of Our Choices: The crowd's choice had eternal consequences. This serves as a powerful reminder that our choices, particularly concerning Christ, carry profound significance. We are continually presented with a choice: to embrace Jesus, the bringer of life and truth, or to reject Him for something else, however appealing it may seem in the moment.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 3:14

    But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

  • Hosea 5:1

    ¶ Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment [is] toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.

  • Matthew 27:20

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

  • John 18:40

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