And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

LUKE 23:18KJV
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Luke 23:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:18 mean?

Luke 23:18 describes how the crowd, gathered before Pilate, all shouted together demanding that Jesus be taken away and that Barabbas be released to them instead. The verse shows the people’s unified call for Jesus to be removed and a known prisoner to be set free in his place.

In this scene, Pilate is addressing the crowd during Jesus’ trial. The people respond not with hesitation but with a loud, collective demand. Barabbas, mentioned here, was a prisoner known for insurrection and murder. The verse highlights the intensity and unanimity of the crowd’s rejection of Jesus and their preference for Barabbas, setting the stage for the events that follow in the crucifixion narrative.

The Greek behind Luke 23:18

  • ἅπαντες (G3826, transliterated as "hapantes") means "all at once" or "the whole crowd." This word emphasizes the total unity and force of the crowd’s response, showing that the demand was not just from a few, but from everyone present.
  • ἀνακράζω (G349, transliterated as "anakrazō") means "cried out" or "shouted." This verb carries a sense of loud, emotional outcry, underlining the passion and urgency behind the crowd’s demand.
  • ἀπολύω (G630, transliterated as "apolyō") means "release." The use of this word shows the crowd’s active request for Barabbas to be set free, not just a passive acceptance but a specific demand.

Why Luke 23:18 matters

  • Luke 23:18 clarifies that the rejection of Jesus was not just by the leaders, but by the gathered crowd as a whole, stressing the collective responsibility in the choice.
  • The verse draws attention to the dramatic contrast between Jesus and Barabbas, highlighting the irony and injustice of the crowd’s preference.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, showing how public opinion played a direct role in the outcome and fulfilling the pattern of rejection described elsewhere in the Gospels.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G349 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
  • Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
  • Luke 4:33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

“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.

“this” 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 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
  • 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.

“release” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.