Matthew 27:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:15 mean?

Matthew 27:15 explains that during a festival, it was the custom for the Roman governor to release one prisoner chosen by the people. This sets the stage for the crowd to be given a choice about which prisoner would be freed.

The verse is part of the account of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate is addressing the gathered crowd during the Passover festival, a major Jewish holiday. The mention of this custom helps explain how the crowd would soon be asked to choose between releasing Jesus or another prisoner.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:15

• The word for "feast" is ἑορτή (heortē), which refers specifically to a festival or holiday, here meaning the Passover, a significant time when large crowds were present in Jerusalem.
• The word for "governor" is ἡγεμών (hēgemōn), pointing to Pilate’s official role as the Roman authority in Judea, which is important for understanding who had the power to release prisoners.
• The word for "release" is ἀπολύω (apolyō), which means to set free or let go, emphasizing that this was an act of granting freedom, not just moving a prisoner.
• The word for "people" is ὄχλος (ochlos), meaning a crowd or the general populace, highlighting that the choice was given to the gathered public, not just the religious leaders.

Why Matthew 27:15 matters

• This verse clarifies that the choice to release a prisoner was a public event involving the crowd, not a private decision by Pilate or the authorities.
• It sets up the dramatic moment when the crowd will choose between Jesus and Barabbas, making the later events more understandable.
• The mention of this custom shows the political pressures Pilate faced, as he tried to maintain order and appease the people during a tense festival.