Matthew 27:16

And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

And {G1161} they had {G2192} then {G5119} a notable {G1978} prisoner {G1198}, called {G3004} Barabbas {G912}.

There was at that time a notorious prisoner being held, named Yeshua Bar-Abba.

At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.

And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

Matthew 27:16 introduces a pivotal figure in the trial of Jesus Christ: Barabbas. This verse sets the stage for Pontius Pilate's dramatic choice, which would ultimately lead to Jesus' crucifixion and reveal profound theological truths.

Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. It follows Pilate's recognition of the chief priests' envy as the motive for handing Jesus over (Matthew 27:18). At this time, it was the customary release of a prisoner during the Passover festival, a gesture of goodwill to the Jewish populace. Pilate, seeking to release Jesus, presented the crowd with a choice between Jesus, whom he found innocent, and "a notable prisoner, called Barabbas." Barabbas was a man of violence, described elsewhere as a robber, insurrectionist, and murderer, imprisoned for his part in a rebellion.

Key Themes

  • The Stark Contrast: The verse highlights the radical difference between Jesus, the innocent Son of God, and Barabbas, a convicted criminal. This contrast forces a spiritual decision upon the crowd and, by extension, upon every reader.
  • Human Choice and Divine Plan: While humans made a choice (the crowd choosing Barabbas over Jesus), this pivotal moment was also part of God's sovereign plan for salvation. The rejection of the innocent Messiah by His own people was foretold.
  • The Principle of Substitution: Barabbas, a guilty man deserving of death, was set free, while Jesus, the innocent one, was condemned to die in his place. This powerful scene foreshadows and illustrates the core Christian doctrine of substitutionary atonement, where Christ takes the place of sinners.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the phrase "a notable prisoner." The Greek word for "notable" is episēmos (ἐπίσημος), which means 'marked,' 'distinguished,' or 'prominent.' In this context, it carries the negative connotation of being well-known or infamous due to his crimes. This suggests Barabbas was not just any prisoner, but one whose notoriety made him a significant figure in the public consciousness, perhaps even a folk hero to some who opposed Roman rule.

The name "Barabbas" (Βαραββᾶς) is Aramaic, meaning "son of the father" or "son of Abba." The irony is profound: the "son of the father" (Barabbas) is chosen to be released, while the true Son of the Father (Jesus) is condemned.

Significance and Application

Matthew 27:16 is more than a historical detail; it's a profound theological statement. The crowd's choice to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus reveals the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of those who rejected the Messiah. For believers, the liberation of Barabbas while Jesus was condemned is a vivid illustration of God's grace: the guilty are set free because the innocent one took their place.

This verse challenges us to consider our own choices. Do we, like the crowd, choose a path of rebellion and self-interest (symbolized by Barabbas), or do we accept the innocent Christ who offers true freedom and eternal life? The profound truth of God's love and the offer of salvation are powerfully underscored by this exchange.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 15:7

    And there was [one] named Barabbas, [which lay] bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

  • Romans 1:32

    Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

  • Luke 23:18

    And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:

  • Luke 23:19

    (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

  • Luke 23:25

    And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

  • John 18:40

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

  • Acts 3:14

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

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