Matthew 27:16 nasb — At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.

NASB

"At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas."

— Matthew 27:16, NASB

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Matthew 27:16 in Other Translations

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Matthew 27 — Context

13

Then Pilate *said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?"

14

And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed.

15

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted.

16

At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.

17

So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?"

18

For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over.

19

While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him."

Matthew 27:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 27:16 say?
Matthew 27:16 in the NASB reads: “At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.”
Where is Matthew 27:16 in the Bible?
Matthew 27:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 27, verse 16.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 27:16.
What translation should I read Matthew 27:16 in?
Matthew 27:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 27:16?
Matthew 27:16 reads (NASB): “At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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