Matthew 27:20 web — Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

World English Bible

"Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus."

— Matthew 27:20, World English Bible

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Matthew 27:20 in Other Translations

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Matthew 27 — Context

17

When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?"

18

For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.

19

While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him."

20

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21

But the governor answered them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!"

22

Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let him be crucified!"

23

But the governor said, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they cried out exceedingly, saying, "Let him be crucified!"

Matthew 27:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 27:20 say?
Matthew 27:20 in the World English Bible reads: “Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.”
Where is Matthew 27:20 in the Bible?
Matthew 27:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 27, verse 20.
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 27:20.
What translation should I read Matthew 27:20 in?
Matthew 27:20 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 27:20?
Matthew 27:20 reads (WEB): “Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” 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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