Bible Strands
Barabbas
the name means son of Abba Strong's Lexicon
Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, was released by Pilate instead of Jesus at the crowd's demand.
From Easton's Bible Dictionary
I.e., son of Abba or of a father, a notorious robber whom Pilate proposed to condemn to death instead of Jesus, whom he wished to release, in accordance with the Roman custom (John 18:40; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). But the Jews were so bent on the death of Jesus that they demanded that Barabbas should be pardoned (Matt. 27:16-26; Acts 3:14). This Pilate did.
Easton's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1897 — public domain, quoted in full and unedited.
First named at Matthew 27:16.
See Barabbas in the family tree →
Verses that name Barabbas
- Matthew 27:16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.
- Matthew 27:17 So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
- Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.
- Matthew 27:21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.
- Matthew 27:26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
- Mark 15:7 And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.
- Mark 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead.
- Mark 15:15 And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
- Luke 23:18 But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
- John 18:40 “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)