Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

MATTHEW 27:26KJV
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Matthew 27:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:26 mean?

Matthew 27:26 describes how Pilate, the Roman governor, released Barabbas to the crowd and then had Jesus whipped before handing him over to be crucified. This verse marks the moment when Jesus is officially sentenced to death, even though he had been found innocent by Pilate.

In this scene, Pilate is responding to the demands of the gathered crowd, who chose to have Barabbas, a known prisoner, set free instead of Jesus. The act of scourging—whipping with a leather lash—was a brutal Roman punishment often given before crucifixion. Matthew 27:26 shows the transition from Jesus being on trial to being led away for execution, highlighting the injustice and suffering he endured.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:26

  • "Scourged" (ἐμαστίγωσεν, emastigōsen): This Greek word means to whip or flog severely. In Roman practice, this was a violent punishment that often left the victim bloodied and weakened, making the following crucifixion even more agonizing.
  • "Delivered" (παρέδωκεν, paredōken): This word means to hand over or give up someone to another's control. Here, it emphasizes Pilate's action of officially transferring Jesus into the hands of those who would crucify him, showing a deliberate decision rather than a passive act.
  • "Crucified" (σταυρωθῇ, staurōthē): This verb means to be nailed or fastened to a cross. The Greek word carries the sense of a specific, public, and humiliating form of execution used by the Romans for criminals and rebels.

Why Matthew 27:26 matters

  • Matthew 27:26 clarifies that Pilate did not simply allow Jesus to be crucified but actively ordered the brutal process, including scourging, before the execution.
  • The verse highlights the injustice of the situation: Barabbas, a known prisoner, is released, while Jesus, whom Pilate found no fault in, is condemned.
  • This moment connects directly to the larger narrative of Jesus’ suffering and sets the stage for the events of the crucifixion, showing the fulfillment of Jesus’ earlier predictions about his death.

Where else these words appear

“scourged” Greek G5417 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

“Barabbas” Greek G912 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
  • Matthew 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
  • Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

“crucified” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

“he” 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 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
  • 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.