


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