Barabbas
The name Barabbas means “son of shame, confusion.” Barabbas is mentioned in 10 verses of the Bible, first in Matthew 27:16.
Who was Barabbas?
I.e., son of Abba or of a father, a notorious robber whom Pilate proposed to condemn to death instead of Jesus, whom he wished to release, in accordance with the Roman custom (John 18:40; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). But the Jews were so bent on the death of Jesus that they demanded that Barabbas should be pardoned (Matt. 27:16-26; Acts 3:14). This Pilate did.
Biography adapted from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain, linked via Theographic Bible Metadata.
Key verses about Barabbas
- Matthew 27:16
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
- Matthew 27:20
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
- Matthew 27:26
Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
- Mark 15:15
And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
- Luke 23:18
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
- John 18:40
Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Timeline of Barabbas's life
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 0 AD | Roman Trials |