Matthew Chapter 27 verse 15 Holy Bible

ASV Matthew 27:15

Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would.
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BBE Matthew 27:15

Now at the feast it was the way for the ruler to let free to the people one prisoner, at their selection.
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DARBY Matthew 27:15

Now at [the] feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the crowd, whom they would.
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KJV Matthew 27:15

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
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WBT Matthew 27:15


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WEB Matthew 27:15

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired.
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YLT Matthew 27:15

And at the feast the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed,
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Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerses 15-26. - Barabbas preferred to Jesus. (Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:17-25; John 18:39, 40.) Verse 15. - Pilate now tries another expedient for delivering himself from the responsibility of condemning Jesus. At that feast (κατὰ ἑορτήν, at a feast, at feast time). Doubtless the Passover is meant, which was the feast especially of the Jews, and it is very improbable that the practice mentioned in the clause was allowed at any other of the feasts. The governor was wont to release unto the people (τῷ ὄχλῳ, the multitude), etc. St. Luke says, "Of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast." The custom is not elsewhere mentioned. It was, however, most probably an institution established of old time in memory of the Exodus (John 18:39), and continued by the Romans when they became masters of the country. A similar custom obtained at Rome and in Greece on certain great festivals. Whom they would. The governor usually left the priests and people unfettered in their choice; on the present occasion he desired Jesus to be selected.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(15) The governor was wont to release.--It is not known when the practice began, nor whether it was primarily a Jewish or a Roman one. The fact that the release of criminals was a common incident of a Latin lectisternium, or feast in honour of the gods, makes the latter the more probable. If introduced by Pilate (and this is the only recorded instance of the practice) it was, we may believe, a concession intended to conciliate those whom his previous severities had alienated. Before this stage of the proceedings we have to place (1) the second conference between Pilate and the priests after his dialogue with our Lord (Luke 23:4-5), and their definite charge of sedition, now urged for the first time; and (2) his attempt, catching at the word "Galilee" as the scene of our Lord's work, to transfer the responsibility of judging to Herod (Luke 23:6-12).