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.
- Matt.27: And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
- Matt.27: Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
- Matt.27: But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
- Matt.27: The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
- Matt.27: Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
- Mark.15: And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
- Mark.15: But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
- Mark.15: And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
- Luke.23: And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
- John.18: Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.