The prisoner released instead of Jesus · First century AD
Barabbas in the Bible
A rebel held for insurrection and murder, Barabbas is the name the crowd shouts when Pilate offers the Passover release. The substitution is exact enough that the Gospels simply let it stand.
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Verses mentioning Barabbas
11 occurrences across 10 verses in the King James Version.
- Matthew 27:16
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Read in context - Matthew 27:17
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?
Read in context - Matthew 27:20
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Read in context - Matthew 27:21
The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Read in context - Matthew 27:26
Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Read in context - 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.
Read in context - Mark 15:11
But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
Read in context - Mark 15:15
And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
Read in context - Luke 23:18
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
Read in context - John 18:40
Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
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