Acts 3:14
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy One
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy One
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
4 of 13
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δίκαιον
the Just
G1342
δίκαιον
the Just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
6 of 13
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φονέα
a murderer
G5406
φονέα
a murderer
Strong's:
G5406
Word #:
11 of 13
a murderer (always of criminal (or at least intentional) homicide; which g0443 does not necessarily imply; while g4607 is a special term for a public
Cross References
Mark 1:24Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.Acts 7:52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:Acts 4:27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:James 5:6Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.Acts 22:14And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Revelation 3:7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;Acts 2:27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Historical Context
Barabbas, a robber and insurrectionist (John 18:40, Mark 15:7), represented violent nationalism the crowd preferred over peaceful Messiah. This choice epitomized Israel's rejection of God's ways.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'Barabbases' do people choose over Christ today?
- How does this passage reveal the irrationality of rejecting Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The contrast intensifies: 'ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer.' Peter uses messianic titles ('Holy One,' 'Just One') to heighten the tragedy of rejecting Christ for Barabbas. The crowd's choice revealed distorted values preferring violence over righteousness.