The Greek word pamplētheí, represented by G3826, is an adverb meaning all at once. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Derived from a compound of words meaning "all" and "multitude," it conveys the idea of a group acting in full concert or simultaneously, as one unified body.
The single biblical use of G3826 occurs at a critical moment in the passion narrative. In Luke's account of Jesus before Pilate, the crowd demands the release of Barabbas. The word is used to describe their unified shout, emphasizing that the call was not from a few individuals but from the entire multitude acting together: "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas" Luke 23:18. This highlights the unanimous and forceful nature of their rejection.
Several related words in the immediate context of Luke 23:18 help clarify the meaning of this singular event:
- G349 anakrázō (to scream up (aloud):--cry out): This verb, used directly with G3826, describes the character of the crowd's utterance. It was not a simple statement but a loud, forceful scream, as seen when a man with an unclean spirit "cried out" in the synagogue Mark 1:23.
- G3004 légō (to "lay" forth... relate (in words)... say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter): This word specifies the content of what was shouted. While it can describe divine pronouncements, such as when the Lord "saith" He will make a new covenant Hebrews 8:10, here it records the specific words of the crowd's demand.
The theological weight of G3826 is concentrated in its sole appearance, where it underscores a profound choice.
- Concerted Rejection: The use of "all at once" demonstrates that the crowd's verdict was unified and complete. It captures a moment of collective decision, where the "full multitude" acts concertedly to demand the release of a criminal over Jesus Luke 23:18.
- Heightened Emotion: Paired with the verb G349, "to cry out," G3826 communicates the intense, simultaneous, and passionate nature of the crowd's demand. It paints a vivid picture of a mob united in a single, emotional outburst.
In summary, while G3826 is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, its single use is pivotal. As pamplētheí, it means more than just "everyone"; it signifies a "full multitude" acting "concertedly" or "simultaneously." Its placement in Luke 23:18 powerfully defines the unified and overwhelming nature of the crowd's cry, forever marking the moment of their collective choice to reject Jesus.
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