Matthew 27:21
The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”
In context
18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.
19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”
20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”
22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”
23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Matthew 27:21 in the KJV
The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
- NIV New International Version
— Matthew 27:21 in the NIV
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.