Mark 15:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the chief priests {G749} moved {G383} the people {G3793}, that {G2443} he should rather {G3123} release {G630} Barabbas {G912} unto them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the head cohanim stirred up the crowd to have him release Bar-Abba for them instead.

Berean Standard Bible

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead.

American Standard Version

But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:11 encapsulates a critical moment in Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, revealing the insidious power of manipulation wielded by the chief priests over the populace. This verse highlights how religious leaders, driven by malice and fear, successfully incited the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas, a notorious criminal, thereby sealing Jesus' fate for crucifixion and tragically rejecting the Messiah in favor of an insurrectionist.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically following His arraignment before Pontius Pilate. Mark 15 begins with Jesus being delivered to Pilate by the chief priests, who accuse Him of various offenses. Pilate, sensing Jesus' innocence and perhaps seeking to avoid a political disturbance, attempts to release Him by offering the traditional Passover amnesty. He presents the crowd with a choice between Jesus, whom he identifies as "the King of the Jews," and Barabbas, described as a notorious prisoner involved in an insurrection and murder ([Mark 15:7](/mark/15-7 "Mark 15:7 - Barabbas, the Insurrectionist")). The immediate verses leading up to [Mark 15:11](/mark/15-11 "Mark 15:11 - The Priests Incite the Crowd") show Pilate's initial attempt to release Jesus, setting the stage for the chief priests' decisive intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and nationalistic fervor in Jerusalem. Roman governors, like Pilate, often employed gestures of goodwill, such as releasing a prisoner, to appease the Jewish populace and maintain order, especially during major feasts when large crowds gathered. The Jewish Sanhedrin, led by the chief priests, held significant religious and political authority among the people, though ultimate capital punishment authority rested with Rome. Their ability to "move the people" was rooted in their established spiritual leadership and influence over public opinion. Barabbas, as an insurrectionist, represented a figure of resistance against Roman occupation, a sentiment that resonated with many Jews longing for political liberation, making him a popular alternative to Jesus, whose kingdom was "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")).

* **Key Themes:** [Mark 15:11](/mark/15-11 "Mark 15:11 - The Priests Incite the Crowd") powerfully contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **rejection of Christ** by His own people, particularly by their religious leaders. Despite Jesus' miracles and teachings that affirmed His messianic identity, the chief priests' animosity led them to actively turn the crowd against Him, culminating in the demand for His crucifixion ([Mark 15:13-14](/mark/15-13-14 "Mark 15:13-14 - The Crowd Demands Crucifixion")). Secondly, the verse highlights the dangers of **manipulation and mob mentality**. The chief priests' successful incitement of the crowd demonstrates how powerful figures can exploit popular sentiment and prejudice to achieve their nefarious ends, overriding reason and justice. This tragic scene also exemplifies the theme of **divine sovereignty amidst human injustice**, as Jesus, the innocent Son of God, willingly submits to an unjust condemnation, fulfilling prophetic scriptures concerning the suffering Messiah ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"moved" (Greek, _anaseíō'_):** From G383, meaning "to excite," "to stir up," or "to agitate." This verb denotes a forceful and deliberate act of persuasion, indicating that the chief priests were not merely suggesting but actively inciting and manipulating the crowd's emotions and will. It implies a shaking or waving motion, metaphorically stirring up a tumultuous response.
* **"chief priests" (Greek, _archiereús'_):** From G749, referring to the high priest (literally) or, by extension, a chief priest. This term denotes the leading members of the priestly aristocracy, who held significant religious and political power within Jewish society. Their role in this verse highlights the corruption and spiritual blindness that had afflicted the religious establishment, as they actively worked against the very Messiah they were supposed to prepare the people for.
* **"people" (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From G3793, meaning "a throng," "the rabble," or "a multitude." This term refers to the large, often unorganized, crowd present at the Passover feast. It emphasizes the collective, volatile nature of the populace, easily swayed by influential figures, rather than a reasoned, individual decision. Their susceptibility to the priests' manipulation underscores the tragic irony of their rejection of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the chief priests moved the people,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the agency and malicious intent behind the crowd's subsequent demand. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé'_) highlights the contrast between Pilate's desire to release Jesus and the priests' counter-action. The "chief priests," the highest religious authorities, are depicted as actively "moving" or inciting the "people" – the general populace – demonstrating their powerful and corrupt influence. This action reveals their determination to eliminate Jesus, even if it meant subverting justice and manipulating the very people they were meant to shepherd.
* **"that he should rather release Barabbas unto them."**: This clause reveals the specific outcome and purpose of the chief priests' manipulation. The phrase "that he should rather" (G2443, _hína'_ + G3123, _mâllon'_) indicates a deliberate choice and preference for Barabbas over Jesus. The priests successfully swayed the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas, a known criminal and insurrectionist, instead of Jesus, the innocent "King of the Jews" whom Pilate offered. This choice is deeply ironic and tragic, as the people, under false pretenses, choose a symbol of earthly rebellion over the true spiritual deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's account in [Mark 15:11](/mark/15-11 "Mark 15:11 - The Priests Incite the Crowd") employs several powerful literary devices. **Dramatic Contrast** is evident in the stark choice presented: Jesus, the innocent Son of God, versus Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist. This contrast is heightened by Pilate's initial inclination to release Jesus, only to be thwarted by the priests' machinations. There is profound **Irony** in the religious leaders, who should have recognized and welcomed their Messiah, instead actively working to condemn Him and incite the people to choose a criminal over Him. This subversion of justice by those meant to uphold righteousness is deeply ironic. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing** of the broader rejection of Christ by many throughout history, highlighting humanity's propensity to choose sin and rebellion over divine truth and grace. The portrayal of the easily swayed "people" also illustrates the dangerous power of **Mob Mentality**, where collective emotion and manipulation override individual reason and moral discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:11 stands as a stark theological commentary on the nature of human sin, particularly the sin of rejecting God's chosen one, and the pervasive power of spiritual blindness. The chief priests, representing the religious establishment, embody a profound spiritual darkness, prioritizing their own power and perceived righteousness over the truth of God incarnate. Their manipulation of the crowd demonstrates how human leaders can become instruments of evil, leading people astray from divine truth. The crowd's choice of Barabbas, a symbol of worldly rebellion and violence, over Jesus, the Prince of Peace and the Lamb of God, encapsulates humanity's fallen nature and its tendency to choose self-rule and earthly solutions over divine salvation. This moment is a profound illustration of the world's rejection of its Creator, a theme echoed throughout biblical history.

* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")
* [Acts 3:13-15](/acts/3-13-15 "Acts 3:13-15 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus and Barabbas")
* [Matthew 27:20](/matthew/27-20 "Matthew 27:20 - The Chief Priests and Elders Persuade the Multitudes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 15:11 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to introspection for believers today. We are constantly bombarded with narratives, opinions, and agendas from various sources, much like the crowd was "moved" by the chief priests. This verse compels us to critically evaluate the voices we listen to, discerning whether they lead us towards truth and righteousness or away from it. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, rooted in God's Word, so that we are not easily swayed by popular opinion, manipulative rhetoric, or the agendas of powerful figures, even those claiming spiritual authority. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider our own choices: do we, like the crowd, inadvertently choose "Barabbas" – worldly solutions, self-interest, or popular ideologies – over Jesus, who offers true freedom and life? This passage calls us to stand firm in our convictions, to champion justice, and to courageously align ourselves with Christ, even when it means going against the prevailing current or facing unpopularity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What voices or influences in my life might be "moving" me away from Christ or biblical truth?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to avoid being swayed by manipulative rhetoric or popular opinion?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be choosing "Barabbas" (worldly desires, comfort, or approval) over Jesus?**
* **What is my responsibility to stand for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular or challenging?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "chief priests" and why were they so opposed to Jesus?**

Answer: The "chief priests" (G749, _archiereús'_) were the leading members of the Jewish priestly aristocracy, including the current high priest, former high priests, and heads of the priestly courses. They held immense religious, social, and political power within the Jewish Sanhedrin, which was the supreme Jewish governing body. Their opposition to Jesus stemmed from several factors: Jesus challenged their authority and interpretations of the Law, His popularity threatened their influence, His claims of divinity were perceived as blasphemy, and they feared He would provoke a Roman crackdown that would jeopardize their privileged position ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - The Sanhedrin's Fear")). They saw Him as a direct threat to their established order and power.

**Why did Pilate offer the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas?**

Answer: It was a custom (Latin: _privilegium Paschale_) for the Roman governor to release a prisoner to the Jewish people during the Passover festival as an act of goodwill and to maintain peace during a volatile time. Pilate, finding no fault in Jesus and perhaps recognizing the chief priests' envy ([Mark 15:10](/mark/15-10 "Mark 15:10 - Pilate Knew It Was Envy")), likely hoped that by offering Jesus alongside a notorious criminal like Barabbas, the crowd would naturally choose Jesus, thus absolving him of responsibility and diffusing the situation. However, his attempt backfired due to the priests' intervention.

**Who was Barabbas, and what does his name signify?**

Answer: Barabbas (G912, _Barabbâs'_) is described in Mark as a notorious prisoner, an insurrectionist, and a murderer ([Mark 15:7](/mark/15-7 "Mark 15:7 - Barabbas, the Insurrectionist")). His name is of Aramaic origin, meaning "son of the father" (Bar-Abba). This meaning adds a layer of profound irony to the crowd's choice, as they chose "the son of the father" (Barabbas, a rebellious human figure) over Jesus, the true Son of the Father, who came to bring true liberation from sin. In some ancient manuscripts of Matthew's Gospel, he is even referred to as "Jesus Barabbas" ([Matthew 27:16-17](/matthew/27-16-17 "Matthew 27:16-17 - Jesus Barabbas")), further intensifying the dramatic contrast between the two men presented to the crowd.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:11, though depicting a moment of profound human injustice and rejection, ultimately points to the glorious Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The choice of Barabbas, a murderer and rebel, over Jesus, the innocent Son of God, is a vivid illustration of **substitutionary atonement**. Humanity, represented by Barabbas, was guilty and deserving of condemnation, yet Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly took the place of the guilty. His condemnation and crucifixion, demanded by the very people He came to save, were not a defeat but the necessary means by which He would "give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Just as Barabbas was set free, so too are all who believe in Christ released from the bondage and penalty of sin, through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). This pivotal moment in salvation history underscores that God's plan of redemption unfolds even through the darkest acts of human rebellion, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty and unwavering love to provide salvation for a lost world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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.

Cross-References

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.