Matthew 27:21

Modern

“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.

Traditional

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

Literal

And answering, the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you desire that I shall release to you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

Latin

Respondens autem præses, ait illis: Quem vultis vobis de duobus dimitti? At illi dixerunt: Barabbam.

Greek

English

“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.

The Roman trial included an initial hearing before Pilatee (Matthew 27:11–14), then one before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6–16), and a second hearing with Pilate (Matthew 27:15–26).

The Gospels describe Jesus having five legal hearings:

an informal hearing with Annas (John 18:13–24);
a night hearing with the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:59–66);
a morning hearing with the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:1–2);
a hearing with Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6–12); and
a two-part trial with Pilate (Matthew 27:11–31; see Luke 23:6–12).

These hearings form two main trials, a Jewish trial and a Roman trial.

Theme notes and profiles

Barabbas: A notorious prisoner released instead of Jesus