Keraia
John 18

John 18:40

Jesus before Pilate · John 18:28–40
Read John 18

Translations

Modern
“Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)
Traditional
Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Literal
Then they cried out again, saying, “Not this one, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Latin
Clamaverunt ergo rursum omnes, dicentes: Non hunc, sed Barabbam. Erat autem Barabbas latro.

Interlinear

Greek
English
“Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” ( Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist. )

Notes

John 18:40

Jesus was not a threat to Rome, but Barabbas was a revolutionary. He was a violent man involved in political uprisings. Barabbas had proven his capacity to challenge the Roman military occupation of Israel (see Luke 23:19).

John 18:1–40

Jesus finished speaking his final words to his disciples in the upper room (13:31–17:26). Jesus then left the city and went to a garden east of Jerusalem to pray. There, authorities arrested him and took him back into the city for questioning by the Jewish religious leaders. The important "hour" Jesus often mentioned throughout the Gospel had arrived (see 2:4; see also study note on 12:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Pontius Pilate Encounters with Jesus

Events

Parallels

Matthew 27:11–14 Luke 23:1–5

People

Barabbas: A notorious prisoner released instead of Jesus

Glossary

Barabbas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) John, Gospel of Judge Passion Procurator

Topics

Barabbas: A Prisoner Released by Pilate Demagogism: Pilate Denial of Christ: The Jews Jesus, the Christ: Tried in Front of Pilate (In Jerusalem) Pontius Pilate: Tries Jesus and Orders his Crucifixion Prisoners: Jesus The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Power of Life and Death Vested in Its Authorities