Matthew 27:20
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
3 of 17
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
G4245
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
6 of 17
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
ἔπεισαν
persuaded
G3982
ἔπεισαν
persuaded
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
7 of 17
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλους
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
9 of 17
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The crowd was likely composed of chief priests' dependents, temple workers, and supporters—different from the Galilean pilgrims who welcomed Jesus. In the early morning, leaders could gather their faction while Jesus's supporters were absent.
Questions for Reflection
- How do spiritual leaders today sometimes use their influence to persuade people away from Christ?
- What does the crowd's manipulation teach about the importance of personal conviction versus following religious authorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus (ἔπεισαν... ἵνα αἰτήσωνται... ἀπολέσωσιν)—The Greek epeisan (persuaded) and apolesōsin (destroy) show deliberate manipulation toward murder. Religious leaders used their authority to incite judicial murder of the innocent.
This reversal from Sunday's 'Hosanna' (Matthew 21:9) to Friday's 'Crucify' demonstrates mob psychology's volatility and the power of authority figures to manipulate public opinion. The same mouths that praised now demanded death—a portrait of human fickleness and the danger of religious authority corrupted by self-interest.