Matthew 27:17

KJV

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} when they {G846} were gathered together {G4863}, Pilate {G4091} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Whom {G5101} will ye {G2309} that I release {G630} unto you {G5213}? Barabbas {G912}, or {G2228} Jesus {G2424} which {G3588} is called {G3004} Christ {G5547}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So when a crowd had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to set free for you? Bar-Abba? or Yeshua, called `the Messiah'?"

Berean Standard Bible

So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

American Standard Version

When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:17 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. In accordance with a Passover custom, Pilate offers the gathered crowd a choice between releasing a notorious prisoner, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is identified as "Christ." This question, posed by Pilate, sets the stage for the crowd's fateful decision, which would ultimately condemn Jesus to crucifixion, despite Pilate's apparent desire to release Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 27:17 is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically His trial before Pilate, following His arrest, interrogation by the Sanhedrin, and Peter's denial. The preceding verses (Matthew 27:1-14) describe Jesus being handed over to Pilate and His silence in the face of accusations, which astonishes the governor. This verse introduces the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover, a detail also found in Mark, Luke, and John, highlighting its significance. The immediate verses that follow (Matthew 27:18-26) detail Pilate's growing conviction of Jesus' innocence, his wife's warning, the chief priests' successful incitement of the crowd, and Pilate's ultimate capitulation, washing his hands of the decision. The choice presented in verse 17 is the critical turning point that leads directly to Jesus' condemnation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman province of Judea was under direct Roman rule, and Pontius Pilate served as its prefect (governor) from AD 26 to 36. Passover was one of the most significant Jewish festivals, drawing large crowds to Jerusalem. The custom of releasing a prisoner, while not explicitly mentioned in Jewish law, is attested by all four Gospels and may have been a Roman concession to Jewish sensibilities or a means of maintaining peace during a volatile festival. Barabbas, described in other Gospels as an insurgent and murderer ([Mark 15:7](/mark/15-7 "Mark 15:7 - Barabbas the Insurgent") and [Luke 23:19](/luke/23-19 "Luke 23:19 - Barabbas the Insurrectionist")), represented a figure of rebellion against Roman authority, a stark contrast to Jesus, who preached a spiritual kingdom. The chief priests and elders, fearing Jesus' influence and His challenge to their authority, actively manipulated the crowd, leveraging their religious and social standing to sway public opinion against Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights the **subversion of justice**, as Pilate, recognizing Jesus' innocence, attempts to use a popular custom to release Him, only to be overridden by the manipulated will of the crowd. Secondly, it underscores the **nature of choice**, presenting humanity with a stark dichotomy between worldly rebellion (Barabbas) and divine truth (Jesus, the Christ). The crowd's choice reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and rejection of God's Anointed One. Thirdly, the phrase "Jesus which is called Christ" emphasizes **Jesus' messianic identity** and the central theological claim of the Gospel. Despite the religious leaders' rejection, Pilate's question inadvertently brings Jesus' true identity to the forefront, forcing the crowd to confront who He truly is, even as they choose to reject Him. This moment foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah, a theme woven throughout the Passion narrative, as seen in the prophecies of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will ye (Greek, _thélō'_):** This verb (G2309) signifies a determination based on an active option from subjective impulse, indicating a choice or preference. It's not merely a passive acquiescence but an active desire or inclination. In this context, Pilate is asking the crowd to express their will, their preference, their active choice regarding who should be released, highlighting the agency and responsibility placed upon them for the outcome.
* **release (Greek, _apolýō'_):** Derived from `apó` (from) and `lýō` (to loose), this verb (G630) means to free fully, to relieve, dismiss, or set at liberty. It perfectly captures the custom of pardoning a prisoner. Pilate's offer is a genuine act of setting free, emphasizing the contrast between the freedom offered to Barabbas and the condemnation imposed on Jesus.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** This title (G5547), meaning "Anointed One" or "Messiah," is not a surname but an epithet signifying Jesus' divine appointment as the long-awaited deliverer and King prophesied in the Old Testament. By presenting Jesus as "Jesus which is called Christ," Pilate, perhaps unwittingly, acknowledges the very title that was central to the charges against Jesus and His unique status and claim, setting Him apart from Barabbas as the true Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore when they were gathered together,"**: This phrase, introduced by "Therefore" (G3767, _oûn_), indicates a consequence or continuation of the preceding events, specifically Jesus being brought before Pilate and the assembly of the Jewish leaders and the crowd. The gathering signifies the public nature of the trial and the collective decision that is about to be made.
* **"Pilate said unto them,"**: This identifies the speaker and the audience. Pilate, as the Roman governor, holds the ultimate earthly authority in this context, and his address to the "them" (the assembled crowd and leaders) initiates the crucial moment of decision. His words are a direct challenge and an offer.
* **"Whom will ye that I release unto you?"**: This is Pilate's direct question, presenting the choice. The "whom" (G5101, _tís_) is an interrogative pronoun, demanding a specific answer. The phrase "will ye" (G2309, _thélō_) underscores the crowd's active role in determining the outcome. Pilate is deferring to their will, either as a political maneuver or a genuine attempt to find a way to release Jesus.
* **"Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?"**: This presents the two stark options. Barabbas (G912, _Barabbâs_), a known criminal, represents worldly rebellion and sin. Jesus (G2424, _Iēsoûs_), identified by the significant title "which is called Christ" (G5547, _Christós_), represents the divine, the Anointed One, the Messiah. The disjunctive "or" (G2228, _ḗ_) forces an exclusive choice, highlighting the profound spiritual implications of their decision.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:17 employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting Barabbas, a symbol of rebellion and criminality, with Jesus, "which is called Christ," representing divine authority and innocence. This stark choice forces the audience, both then and now, to confront the fundamental difference between worldly values and God's truth. There is also profound **Irony** in Pilate's question; he, a pagan Roman governor, inadvertently highlights Jesus' messianic identity ("which is called Christ") while the very people who should recognize their Messiah are poised to reject Him. The question itself functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not merely seeking information but compelling a public declaration and revealing the crowd's true allegiance. Finally, the entire scenario is rich with **Symbolism**, as the choice between Barabbas and Christ symbolizes the ultimate decision humanity faces: to embrace the way of sin and rebellion or to accept the path of salvation offered by God's Anointed One.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:17 is a profound theological statement, illustrating the world's rejection of its rightful King and the subversion of divine justice by human will and political expediency. The choice presented by Pilate is not merely between two men, but between two kingdoms: the kingdom of man, characterized by rebellion and sin (represented by Barabbas), and the Kingdom of God, represented by Jesus, the Christ. The crowd's choice to release Barabbas and condemn Jesus foreshadows the ongoing human tendency to choose worldly freedom over spiritual liberation, self-will over divine will. This moment underscores the depth of human depravity and the necessity of God's redemptive plan, where the innocent suffers for the guilty. It highlights the divine paradox that the rejection of the Messiah was, in fact, part of God's sovereign plan for salvation.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for our Transgressions"): "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came Unto His Own"): "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."
* [Acts 3:14-15](/acts/3-14-15 "Acts 3:14-15 - You Denied the Holy One"): "But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:17 presents us with a timeless challenge: the choice between Barabbas and Christ. This is not merely a historical event but a perpetual spiritual dilemma that confronts every individual. Barabbas, a symbol of rebellion, self-interest, and worldly desires, stands in stark contrast to Jesus, the Christ, who embodies truth, righteousness, and sacrificial love. In our daily lives, we are constantly presented with choices that mirror this ancient decision. Will we choose the path of popular opinion, personal gratification, or rebellion against God's will, even if it means compromising truth and justice? Or will we choose to follow Jesus, embracing His teachings, His sacrifice, and His Lordship, even when it means going against the prevailing culture or personal comfort? This verse calls us to a profound self-examination, urging us to recognize the subtle ways we might, like the crowd, choose "Barabbas" in our own lives, prioritizing fleeting desires over eternal truth. It compels us to reaffirm our allegiance to Christ, acknowledging Him as our Anointed King and committing to live in accordance with His kingdom values, regardless of external pressures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to choose "Barabbas" (worldly desires, popular opinion, self-interest) over "Christ" (truth, righteousness, God's will)?**
* **How do external pressures or the influence of others impact my moral and spiritual choices?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to affirm Jesus as "the Christ" in my daily actions and decisions?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper commitment to truth and justice, even when it is unpopular or costly?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Pilate offered this choice primarily for political and strategic reasons. It was a custom during the Passover festival for the Roman governor to release a prisoner, likely as a gesture of goodwill or to appease the Jewish populace during a time of heightened religious and nationalistic fervor. Pilate himself seems to have recognized Jesus' innocence, as indicated in [Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate Knew It Was Envy") where it states he knew they had handed Jesus over out of envy. By presenting the crowd with a choice between Jesus and a notorious criminal like Barabbas, Pilate likely hoped they would choose to release Jesus, thereby avoiding the condemnation of an innocent man and potentially averting a riot or further unrest.

**Who was Barabbas, and why was he chosen by the crowd?**

Answer: Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, described in the Gospels as a robber ([John 18:40](/john/18-40 "John 18:40 - Barabbas Was a Robber")), a murderer, and an insurrectionist ([Mark 15:7](/mark/15-7 "Mark 15:7 - Barabbas the Insurgent")). He represented a figure of rebellion against Roman authority, which might have resonated with some segments of the Jewish population who yearned for political liberation. The crowd, however, was heavily influenced and incited by the chief priests and elders, who persuaded them to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus crucified ([Matthew 27:20](/matthew/27-20 "Matthew 27:20 - Priests Incite the Crowd")). Their choice was not necessarily a reflection of popular support for Barabbas, but rather a manipulated rejection of Jesus, whom the religious leaders viewed as a threat to their power and interpretation of the law.

**Why is Jesus referred to as "Jesus which is called Christ" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "Jesus which is called Christ" (G5547, _Christós_) is highly significant. "Christ" is not a surname but a title, meaning "Anointed One" or "Messiah." It signifies Jesus' divine appointment as the long-awaited deliverer and King prophesied in the Old Testament. By using this title, Pilate, perhaps inadvertently, highlights Jesus' unique identity and the very claim that fueled the religious leaders' opposition to Him. It underscores that the trial was not merely about a common criminal but about the one who claimed (or was claimed to be) the Messiah. This identification forces the crowd to make a conscious choice about Jesus' true nature and authority, even as they choose to reject Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:17, with its stark choice between Barabbas and Jesus, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Barabbas, a man guilty of rebellion and murder, represents humanity's fallen state and the just condemnation we deserve. Jesus, "which is called Christ," the innocent Son of God, stands in His place. The crowd's choice to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus is a profound illustration of substitutionary atonement: the guilty is set free, and the innocent suffers the penalty. This divine exchange, though orchestrated by human sin and political maneuvering, was part of God's sovereign design from eternity, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep"). Jesus, the true Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly takes the place of Barabbas, and by extension, the place of all who are guilty, bearing the sin of the world on the cross. His rejection by His own people and His unjust condemnation ultimately paved the way for the forgiveness and salvation of all who believe in Him, fulfilling the very purpose for which He came into the world ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The choice Pilate presented, therefore, becomes a timeless testament to the scandalous grace of God, where the innocent Christ dies so that the guilty may live, offering true freedom from the bondage of sin and death ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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

John 19:15

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.

1 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Joshua 24:15

¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Mark 15:9

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Mark 15:12

And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do [unto him] whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Matthew 27:21

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

Matthew 27:22

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? [They] all say unto him, Let him be crucified.