Matthew 27:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The governor {G2232} answered {G611} and {G1161} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Whether {G5101} of {G575} the twain {G1417} will ye {G2309} that I release {G630} unto you {G5213}?{G1161} They said {G2036}, Barabbas {G912}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Which of the two do you want me to set free for you?" asked the governor. "Bar-Abba!" they answered.

Berean Standard Bible

“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.

American Standard Version

But the governor answered and said unto them, Which of the two will ye that I release unto you? And they said, Barabbas.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:21 records a pivotal and chilling exchange during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where the Roman governor, seeking to release Jesus, offers the crowd a choice between Him and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. This moment dramatically exposes the spiritual blindness and profound injustice of the religious leaders and the swayed populace, who, in a collective voice, demand the release of a criminal over the innocent Son of God, thereby sealing Jesus' path to the cross and fulfilling divine prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically within the account of His Roman trial. Following His arrest in Gethsemane and the illegal night trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Jesus is handed over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, as detailed in [Matthew 27:1-2](/matthew/27-1-2 "Matthew 27:1-2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate"). Pilate, after questioning Jesus and finding no basis for a capital charge ([Matthew 27:11-14](/matthew/27-11-14 "Matthew 27:11-14 - Pilate Questions Jesus")), attempts to release Him by appealing to a Passover custom. This custom, described in [Matthew 27:15](/matthew/27-15 "Matthew 27:15 - The Passover Custom"), allowed the governor to release one prisoner chosen by the crowd. Pilate's strategy is to present a stark contrast: Jesus, whom he perceives as innocent and delivered out of envy ([Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate's Recognition of Envy")), versus Barabbas, a well-known insurgent and murderer. The immediate verses leading up to this choice reveal the manipulation of the crowd by the chief priests and elders, who persuade them to demand Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus ([Matthew 27:20](/matthew/27/20 "Matthew 27:20 - The Crowd Incited")). Thus, Matthew 27:21 is the direct response to Pilate's offer, a decisive moment that propels the narrative toward Jesus' crucifixion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, a time when Jerusalem was teeming with pilgrims, and Roman authorities were particularly vigilant to prevent unrest. Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea from AD 26 to 36, known for his harsh and often insensitive rule. His administration was primarily concerned with maintaining Roman order and suppressing any perceived threats to imperial authority. The custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover, though mentioned in all four Gospels, is not widely corroborated by extra-biblical sources, leading some scholars to suggest it might have been a localized practice unique to Judea or even a specific initiative by Pilate to appease the Jewish populace during a sensitive festival. Regardless, it provided a legal loophole for Pilate to potentially avoid condemning an innocent man. The Jewish leaders, specifically the Sanhedrin, had condemned Jesus for blasphemy, a charge not recognized by Roman law as a capital offense. Therefore, they needed Roman authorization for execution, which meant framing Jesus as a political threat (e.g., claiming to be "King of the Jews"). The crowd's presence and their susceptibility to the influence of their religious leaders highlight the volatile political and religious climate of Judea under Roman occupation.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:21 encapsulates several profound themes. Firstly, it underscores the **rejection of truth and righteousness** by humanity, as the crowd, incited by their leaders, chooses a known criminal and insurrectionist over the innocent Son of God. This tragic preference for darkness over light echoes the spiritual blindness described in [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Humanity's Preference for Darkness"). Secondly, the event highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty amidst human injustice**. Despite the profound injustice and the clear display of human sinfulness, this moment was not outside of God's predetermined plan for salvation, showcasing how God works even through human wickedness to accomplish His purposes. The choice of Barabbas, a rebel whose name means "son of the father," in place of Jesus, the true Son of the Father, powerfully symbolizes **substitutionary atonement**, where Christ takes the place of sinful humanity, bearing the punishment we justly deserve. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that would bring redemption, a theme woven throughout the Gospel of Matthew and culminating in the cross.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **governor (Greek, _hēgemṓn'_):** This term refers to a leader, chief person, or ruler of a province. In this context, it specifically denotes Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea. The use of "governor" emphasizes Pilate's authority and his pivotal role in the judicial process, highlighting that Jesus' condemnation came through the highest secular power in the region, even as Pilate himself recognized Jesus' innocence.
* **will ye (Greek, _thélō'_):** This verb signifies a strong determination, choice, or preference stemming from subjective impulse. It implies a deliberate act of the will, an active option. Pilate's question, "Whether of the twain **will ye** that I release unto you?", places the burden of choice squarely on the crowd, revealing their active decision-making rather than passive acquiescence. This word underscores the crowd's culpable and intentional rejection of Jesus.
* **release (Greek, _apolýō'_):** Meaning "to free fully," "relieve," "dismiss," or "let go," this verb indicates the act of setting a prisoner free. Pilate's offer to "release" one of the two prisoners was intended to be a gesture of goodwill or a means to avoid condemning Jesus. However, the crowd's choice to have Barabbas "released" instead of Jesus tragically demonstrates their preference for a worldly deliverer over the true spiritual Deliverer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The governor answered and said unto them,"**: This opening phrase establishes the speaker and the audience. Pilate, in his official capacity as governor, is responding directly to the chief priests and elders who had just incited the crowd. His address is formal and public, setting the stage for a momentous decision. The use of "answered and said" (a common Hebraism) emphasizes the directness and deliberateness of his communication.
* **"Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?"**: This is Pilate's direct question, presenting the crowd with a clear binary choice. "The twain" refers to Jesus and Barabbas. Pilate's phrasing places the responsibility for the decision upon the crowd, attempting to shift the moral burden from himself. The question is designed to elicit a popular mandate, presumably hoping they would choose Jesus.
* **"They said, Barabbas."**: This concise and chilling response reveals the immediate and unified will of the crowd. Their collective voice, manipulated by the religious authorities, decisively rejects Jesus and chooses a known criminal. This simple declaration marks a turning point, sealing Jesus' fate and demonstrating the profound spiritual blindness and hostility towards the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:21 is rich in **Irony** and **Contrast**. The supreme irony lies in the crowd's choice: they reject Jesus, the true King and innocent Son of God, in favor of Barabbas, a rebel and murderer. This is a profound reversal of justice, where the innocent is condemned and the guilty is set free. The **Contrast** between Jesus and Barabbas is stark and intentional. Jesus, the bringer of peace and righteousness, stands against Barabbas, a symbol of violence and rebellion. Furthermore, Barabbas's name, meaning "son of the father," creates a poignant **Symbolism** when juxtaposed with Jesus, the unique Son of the Heavenly Father. The crowd's choice is not merely between two men, but between two "sons of the father"—one a criminal, the other the Savior—highlighting humanity's tragic propensity to choose sin over salvation. This moment also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, as Barabbas's release in place of Jesus prefigures the substitutionary atonement, where Christ would bear the penalty for humanity's sins, allowing humanity to be set free.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:21 stands as a stark theological declaration of humanity's fallen state and the depth of God's redemptive plan. The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus is a profound illustration of humanity's innate rebellion against God and its preference for sin and darkness over divine light and truth. This deliberate rejection of the innocent Son of God, orchestrated by the very leaders who should have recognized Him, underscores the pervasive nature of human sin and spiritual blindness. Yet, within this act of profound injustice, God's sovereign plan for salvation was unfolding. Jesus' willingness to stand in the place of Barabbas, a guilty sinner, foreshadows His ultimate role as the sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering Himself as a substitute for all humanity. This moment, therefore, is not merely a historical event but a theological cornerstone, revealing the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for the redemption of a fallen world.

* [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Matthew 27:21 confronts us with the chilling reality of human choice and its profound consequences. Just as the crowd was presented with a stark choice between the innocent Christ and the guilty Barabbas, so too are we, in various aspects of our lives, constantly faced with decisions that reveal our allegiance. Do we choose the path of Christ, which often involves self-denial, truth, and righteousness, or do we yield to the "Barabbas" of our own desires, worldly approval, or convenient compromises? This verse challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we easily swayed by popular opinion or the voices of those who would lead us away from Christ? Do we truly recognize the value of Christ's substitutionary sacrifice, understanding that He took our place, just as He took Barabbas's place, bearing the penalty for our sins? This passage calls us to a deeper commitment, urging us to consciously and consistently choose Christ in every decision, recognizing His supreme worth and the unparalleled grace offered through His sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Barabbas" might I be choosing over Christ in my own life today, perhaps unknowingly or subtly?**
* **How susceptible am I to popular opinion or the influence of others when it conflicts with the truth of Christ?**
* **In what ways does the concept of Christ taking Barabbas's place deepen my understanding and appreciation of substitutionary atonement for my own sins?**
* **How does this passage challenge me to live a life that consistently chooses Christ, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate offer to release a prisoner, and why did the crowd choose Barabbas?**

Answer: Pilate offered to release a prisoner as part of a custom during the Passover feast, likely an attempt to appease the Jewish populace and maintain peace during a volatile time. He hoped the crowd would choose Jesus, whom he recognized as innocent and delivered to him out of envy by the Jewish leaders, as noted in [Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27/18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate's Awareness of Envy"). However, the chief priests and elders actively incited the crowd to demand Barabbas's release and Jesus's crucifixion, as seen in [Matthew 27:20](/matthew/27/20 "Matthew 27:20 - The Crowd Incited"). Barabbas was a notorious criminal, described in other Gospels as an insurrectionist and murderer ([Mark 15:7](/mark/15-7 "Mark 15:7 - Barabbas, the Insurrectionist")). The crowd's choice was driven by a combination of factors: the manipulation by their religious leaders, their own misunderstanding of Jesus's messianic claims (expecting a political deliverer, not a suffering servant), and a deep-seated hostility towards Jesus, who challenged their traditions and exposed their hypocrisy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:21, though a scene of profound human injustice, serves as a powerful and poignant foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate redemptive work. In this moment, Jesus, the innocent Son of God, stands condemned while Barabbas, a guilty sinner and rebel, is set free. This exchange perfectly illustrates the core of the Gospel: **substitutionary atonement**. Jesus takes Barabbas's place, bearing the condemnation that Barabbas deserved, so that Barabbas might be released. In the same way, Christ, "who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), willingly took the place of all humanity, bearing our sins on the cross so that we, who are guilty, might be set free from the penalty of sin and reconciled to God. He became "sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The release of Barabbas is a vivid, tangible picture of the spiritual release and forgiveness offered to all who believe in Jesus, the true Lamb of God "who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this pivotal moment in Matthew is not merely a historical tragedy, but a profound demonstration of God's sovereign love and the very essence of Christ's saving mission.

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.