Matthew 27:20

Authorized King James Version

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#4
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
#7
ἔπεισαν
persuaded
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
#8
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὄχλους
the multitude
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#10
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#11
αἰτήσωνται
they should ask
to ask (in genitive case)
#12
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Βαραββᾶν
Barabbas
son of abba; bar-abbas, an israelite
#14
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#16
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#17
ἀπολέσωσιν
destroy
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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