Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

JOHN 18:40KJV
Know the Bible

John 18:40 (KJV)

What does John 18:40 mean?

John 18:40 shows the crowd demanding that Pilate release Barabbas instead of Jesus, even though Barabbas was known to be a robber. The verse highlights the choice made by the people to free a criminal rather than Jesus, who had been arrested but not found guilty of any crime.

In this scene, Pilate is addressing the crowd during Jesus’ trial. The people, stirred up by the religious leaders, shout for the release of Barabbas, rejecting Jesus. The verse points out the irony and injustice of the situation: Barabbas, whose name means “son of the father,” was a robber, yet the crowd preferred him over Jesus, who is called the true Son of God.

The Greek behind John 18:40

  • ἦν (ēn, transliterated as "was"): This word is used to describe Barabbas’s character, making it clear that he was already known as a robber, not just accused.
  • λῃστής (lēstēs, transliterated as "robber"): This Greek word often refers not only to a thief but to someone involved in violent crime or insurrection. It suggests Barabbas was more than a petty criminal, possibly a rebel against Roman rule.

Why John 18:40 matters

  • John 18:40 clarifies that the crowd’s choice was not just between two ordinary prisoners, but between Jesus and a man known for serious wrongdoing.
  • The verse emphasizes the injustice and irony of the situation, as the people demand the release of a criminal while rejecting someone innocent.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, showing how public opinion, influenced by leaders, played a role in the events leading to Jesus’ death.

Where else these words appear

“they” Greek G2905 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 12:19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
  • John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
  • John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

“Barabbas” Greek G912 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
  • Matthew 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
  • Mark 15:11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

“robber” Greek G3027 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
  • Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
  • Luke 19:46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

“man” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
  • Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.