Atomic Bible

A notorious prisoner released instead of Jesus.

Barabbas

Named in 10 verses across 4 books, first in Matthew 27:16.

ΒαραββᾶςBarabbas

The name means “son of shame, confusion.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Barabbas Written by AI

Barabbas was a notorious prisoner mentioned in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:16 to 26; Mark 15:7 to 15; Luke 23:18 to 25; John 18:40). He was in custody during the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. According to the Gospel accounts, it was customary during the Passover feast for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. Pilate offered the people a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas. The chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude to ask for Barabbas and demand Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate, although convinced of Jesus' innocence, yielded to the crowd's pressure and released Barabbas while condemning Jesus to death. Some manuscripts of Matthew 27:16 to 17 refer to Barabbas as "Jesus Barabbas," suggesting that he may have also been called Jesus. Barabbas is described as a notorious criminal, with Mark and Luke mentioning that he had committed murder during an insurrection. His release in place of Jesus highlights the irony and injustice of the situation.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

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.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names him

  1. Matthew 27:16

    At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.

  2. 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?”

  3. Matthew 27:20

    But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

  4. Matthew 27:21

    “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.

  5. Matthew 27:26

    So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

  6. Mark 15:7

    And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.

  7. Mark 15:11

    But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead.

  8. 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.

  9. Luke 23:18

    But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”

  10. John 18:40

    “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.