(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

LUKE 23:19KJV
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Luke 23:19 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:19 mean?

Luke 23:19 explains that the man being discussed—Barabbas—had been put in prison because he started an uprising in the city and committed murder. This verse gives the reason why Barabbas was being held, making clear the seriousness of his crimes.

This detail comes in the middle of the story where Pontius Pilate is deciding what to do with Jesus. The crowd is asking for Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. Luke points out that Barabbas was not just any prisoner; he was guilty of both rebellion and murder, which highlights the contrast between him and Jesus, who was innocent.

The Greek behind Luke 23:19

  • The word for "sedition" is στάσις (stasis), which often means an uprising or revolt. This shows Barabbas was involved in political unrest, not just a common crime.
  • The word for "murder" is φόνος (phonos), meaning intentional killing. Luke is stressing that Barabbas was a violent criminal, not just a political prisoner.
  • The word for "city" is πόλις (polis), indicating that the disturbance happened in a populated, urban area, which would have made the crime even more serious in the eyes of the authorities.

Why Luke 23:19 matters

  • Luke 23:19 clears up any idea that Barabbas was an innocent or minor offender; he was guilty of both rebellion and murder.
  • The verse highlights the injustice of the crowd choosing to free Barabbas over Jesus, who had not committed any crime.
  • This detail sets the stage for the dramatic choice Pilate faces and emphasizes the contrast between Jesus and the man who is set free in his place.

Where else these words appear

“sedition” Greek G4714 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
  • Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

“murder” Greek G5408 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
  • Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
  • Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

“prison” Greek G5438 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

“cast” Greek G906 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?