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Mark 15:6

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 15:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.
Mark 15:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3And the chief priests accused him of many things.
4And Pilate again asked him, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they accuse thee of.
5But Jesus no more answered anything; insomuch that Pilate marvelled.
6Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.
7And there was one called Barabbas, [lying] bound with them that had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.
8And the multitude went up and began to ask him [to do] as he was wont to do unto them.
9And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
← Mark 15:5Mark 15:7 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now at that feast, etc..] The feast of the passover, which was at that instant; (see <431839>John 18:39). The Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, “at every feast”; as if the following custom was used at every feast in the year, at the feasts of pentecost and tabernacles, as well as at the passover; whereas it was only at the latter: he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired; of this custom (see Gill on “<402715>Matthew 27:15”).”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“15:6-8 The custom described in 15:6-8 is not known outside of the Gospels, but all four Gospels refer to it (Matt 27:15-21; Luke 23:18-25; John 18:37-40); in many instances prisoners in the ancient world were released on special holidays. • Barabbas: See also Matt 27:16-17; Luke 23:19. • who had committed murder in an uprising: Pilate’s willingness to release Barabbas (Matt 15:15) probably indicates that he had not killed Roman citizens or soldiers.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 26:2, Mat 26:5, Mat 27:15; Luk 23:16, Luk 23:17; Joh 18:39, Joh 18:40; Act 24:27, Act 25:9 Mark 15:7”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification