Question 1

What does Matthew 27:15 mean?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 27:15 describes how, during the Passover festival, the Roman governor had a custom of releasing one prisoner chosen by the crowd. This sets the stage for the events that follow, where the people are given a choice about which prisoner will be set free. The verse is part of the account of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate. The governor mentioned is Pilate, who is addressing the gathered crowd in Jerusalem during Passover, a major Jewish festival. This custom of releasing a prisoner is not found in Jewish law but is presented here as a Roman practice to maintain goodwill with the people during the feast.

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 27:15

Accepted Answer

The word for "feast" is ἑορτή (heortē), which refers specifically to a festival or religious celebration, highlighting the timing during Passover, a significant event for the Jewish people. The word for "governor" is ἡγεμών (hēgemōn), pointing directly to the Roman official in charge, in this case, Pontius Pilate, emphasizing the Roman authority over the proceedings. The word for "release" is ἀπολύω (apolyō), meaning to set free or let go, which underscores the act of granting freedom as a gesture to the people. The word for "people" is ὄχλος (ochlos), often meaning a crowd or the general populace, showing that the choice was given to the gathered masses, not just a select group.

Question 3

Why Matthew 27:15 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse explains the background for why Pilate offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, making sense of the events that follow in the narrative. It clarifies that the custom of releasing a prisoner was a Roman concession, not a Jewish tradition, helping readers understand the political dynamics at play. The verse highlights the influence of public opinion in the trial of Jesus, showing how the crowd’s choice would play a crucial role in the unfolding story.

Matthew 27:15 (KJV)