Bible Strands
Mark 15:6
Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records a procedural moment during the Passover festival where Pilate prepares to address the crowd regarding Jesus’ trial.
The words — The Greek ἀπελύετο (apelūeto) literally means “he was releasing” or “he used to release,” marking a repeated customary action. The noun δέσμιον (desmion) translates directly to “prisoner” or “one bound in chains.”
The thread — This custom of releasing a single prisoner at the feast is noted in John 18:39 and mirrored in the administrative practices of Felix and Festus in Acts 24:27 and Acts 25:9.
Why it lands — The text explicitly establishes a legal precedent that frames the subsequent choice between Jesus and Barabbas as a formal political procedure rather than a spontaneous act.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
Cross-references
- John 18:39 But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
- Acts 24:27 After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
- Acts 25:9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?”
- Matthew 26:2 “You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
- Matthew 26:5 “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
- Matthew 27:15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.
- Luke 23:16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”
- John 19:16 Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away.