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Matthew 27:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 27:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Matthew 27:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 27

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?
18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.
19And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
21But the governor answered and said unto them, Which of the two will ye that I release unto you? And they said, Barabbas.
22Pilate saith unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let him be crucified.
23And he said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, saying, Let him be crucified.
← Matthew 27:19Matthew 27:21 →
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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
“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude, etc.] Among whom the choice lay who should be released. This they did not by haranguing them, or making a public oration to them; but by sending their servants, or proper persons among them, telling them that Jesus had been examined before the sanhedrim that morning, and was found to be a blasphemer; and that the whole court had unanimously condemned him to death, and therefore it became them to act according to their decree: and besides, should this man be set free, they might suggest to them, since he has given out that he is the king Messiah, the Romans hearing of it, will be jealous of such a person, and come and take away both…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also the parallel places in Mark 15:6-14; Luke 23:17-23; John 18:39-40. Matthew 27:15 At that feast - The feast of the Passover. The governor was wont to release ... - that is, was “accustomed” to release. From what this custom arose, or by whom it was introduced, is not known. It was probably adopted to secure popularity among the Jews, and to render the government of the Romans less odious. Any little indulgence granted to the Jews during the heavy oppression of the Romans would serve to conciliate their favor, and to keep the nation from sedition. It might happen often that when persons were arraigned before the Romans on charge of sedition, some special favorite of the people, or…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“persuaded: Mar 15:11; Act 14:18, Act 14:19, Act 19:23-29 should: Luk 23:18-20; Joh 18:40, Joh 19:15, Joh 19:16; Act 3:14, Act 3:15 Matthew 27:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification