Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

MARK 15:6KJV
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Mark 15:6 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:6 mean?

Mark 15:6 describes how, during the Passover festival, the Roman governor Pilate had a custom of releasing one prisoner chosen by the people. This verse sets up the situation where the crowd could ask for the release of any prisoner they wanted.

This moment takes place during Jesus’ trial before Pilate. The verse explains a local tradition that gave the crowd power to decide which prisoner would be freed, which becomes important in the events that follow. Mark is showing the reader why Pilate later offers to release Jesus or Barabbas, and how the crowd’s choice was part of the unfolding story.

The Greek behind Mark 15:6

  • The word for "feast" is ἑορτή (heortē), which refers specifically to a festival or religious celebration. Here, it points to Passover, a major Jewish holiday, explaining why there was a large crowd and why this custom mattered.
  • The word for "released" is ἀπολύω (apolyō), meaning to set free or let go. It highlights that this was an official act of granting freedom, not just moving a prisoner.
  • The word for "desired" is αἰτέω (aiteō), which means to ask or request. The verse emphasizes that the choice was left up to the people, not Pilate’s personal decision.

Why Mark 15:6 matters

  • Mark 15:6 helps explain why the crowd had a direct role in the decision about Jesus’ fate, rather than Pilate acting alone.
  • The verse shows a Roman attempt to maintain goodwill with the Jewish people during a sensitive festival, giving context to the political pressures Pilate faced.
  • Understanding this custom helps make sense of the dramatic choice between Jesus and Barabbas that follows in the story.

Where else these words appear

“prisoner” Greek G1198 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
  • Acts 25:14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
  • Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

“feast” Greek G1859 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
  • John 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
  • John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

“released” 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.

“desired” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;