Matthew Chapter 27 · Verse 16
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Original Language Analysis
εἶχον
they had
G2192
εἶχον
they had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 7
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
3 of 7
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
Historical Context
Barabbas likely participated in one of the frequent Jewish uprisings against Rome. Insurrection was common in first-century Judea, with zealots seeking to overthrow Roman occupation through violence. Such rebels were crucified regularly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the exchange of Jesus for Barabbas picture the substitutionary nature of Christ's atonement for you?
- Why did the crowd prefer a violent insurrectionist over the Prince of Peace who offered true liberation?
Analysis & Commentary
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas (δέσμιον ἐπίσημον... Βαραββᾶν)—The Greek episemon (notable, notorious) marks Barabbas as infamous. His name means 'son of the father' (Aramaic: bar = son, abba = father), creating profound irony: the crowd chose the false 'son of the father' over God's true Son.
Mark 15:7 identifies Barabbas as an insurrectionist and murderer—exactly what they falsely accused Jesus of being. The innocent died for the guilty; the Prince of Peace was exchanged for a violent rebel. This is substitutionary atonement dramatized.