Luke 23:17
(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
Original Language Analysis
ἀνάγκην
of necessity
G318
ἀνάγκην
of necessity
Strong's:
G318
Word #:
1 of 8
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
εἶχεν
he must
G2192
εἶχεν
he must
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 8
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀπολύειν
release
G630
ἀπολύειν
release
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
4 of 8
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 8
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
No Roman or Jewish source outside the Gospels documents this Passover amnesty custom, though Pilate had authority to grant clemency. The practice parallels the lectisternium (releasing prisoners during Roman religious festivals) and fits Passover's liberation theme. Ancient governors often granted amnesty during major festivals to maintain goodwill with subject populations—pragmatic politics dressed as benevolence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Passover amnesty custom (celebrating release from Egyptian bondage) ironically frame the people's rejection of their true Liberator?
- What does the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas reveal about humanity's natural preference when confronted with God's righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast—This parenthetical note explains the custom underlying Pilate's strategy. The phrase of necessity (ἀνάγκην, anankēn) indicates established obligation, though no Roman law mandated this practice. The Passover amnesty custom (also mentioned in Matthew 27:15, Mark 15:6, John 18:39) allowed the people to choose one prisoner for release, likely a gesture to maintain peace during the volatile festival when Jerusalem swelled with Jewish pilgrims remembering liberation from Egypt.
This custom becomes the stage for humanity's archetypal choice: Christ or Barabbas, the Savior or the sinner, the Prince of Peace or the violent rebel. The Greek anankēn eichen apolýein (he had necessity to release) frames this as Pilate's perceived obligation—whether legal requirement or political necessity. God's sovereignty uses even pagan customs to illuminate spiritual truth: we all deserve Barabbas's fate (rebels against God's kingdom), but Christ took our place, released us, and bore our judgment.