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.

LUKE 23:25KJV
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Luke 23:25 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:25 mean?

Luke 23:25 describes how Pilate, the Roman governor, released a prisoner who had been jailed for rebellion and murder because the crowd demanded it, but handed Jesus over to be dealt with according to their wishes. The verse highlights the choice made by the authorities to free a known criminal while allowing Jesus to be condemned.

In this scene, Pilate is addressing the crowd during Jesus’ trial. The people have asked for the release of Barabbas, a man imprisoned for leading an uprising and for murder, instead of Jesus. Luke 23:25 shows the final decision: Pilate gives in to the crowd’s desire, setting Barabbas free and surrendering Jesus to their will, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.

The Greek behind Luke 23:25

  • The word for "sedition" is στάσις (stasis), which often refers to an uprising or revolt. This emphasizes that Barabbas was not just a common criminal but someone involved in political unrest.
  • The word for "will" is θέλημα (thelēma), meaning desire or wish. This shows that Pilate’s decision was not based on justice but on giving the crowd what they wanted.
  • The word for "delivered" is παρέδωκεν (paredōken), which means to hand over or give up. This word is often used in the Gospels for Jesus being handed over to suffering, highlighting the seriousness of the act.

Why Luke 23:25 matters

  • Luke 23:25 clarifies that Jesus’ condemnation was not due to any proven crime, but because the authorities chose to satisfy the crowd’s demand.
  • The verse draws a sharp contrast between Jesus and Barabbas, making clear that an innocent man was sacrificed while a guilty one was set free.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Jesus’ passion, showing how the events leading to the crucifixion were shaped by political pressure and public opinion rather than justice.

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 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
  • 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.

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;