John 18 40

John 18:40 kjv

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 18:40 nkjv

Then they all cried again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 18:40 niv

They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.

John 18:40 esv

They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 18:40 nlt

But they shouted back, "No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!" (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)

John 18 verses

John 18 40 Meaning

John 18:40 describes the crowd's definitive and vehement rejection of Jesus, the Son of God, in favor of Barabbas, a notorious criminal and insurrectionist. Pilate, having declared Jesus innocent and seeking to release Him according to a Passover custom, presents a choice between the two. The crowd's unanimous cry, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" unequivocally seals Jesus' fate for crucifixion and starkly illustrates humanity's preference for darkness over light, a rebellious figure over the true King. This verse underscores the profound injustice in Jesus' condemnation, orchestrated by human will and influenced by political and religious leaders.

John 18 40 Context

John chapter 18 chronicles the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. It begins with His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, followed by His appearances before Annas and Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter's denial of Jesus also occurs during this time. Subsequently, Jesus is brought before the Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus' claims of kingship, establishing His innocence and declaring, "I find no basis for a charge against him" (Jn 18:38).

This verse, John 18:40, is the climax of Pilate's first attempt to release Jesus. In an effort to appease the Jewish authorities and the crowd during the Passover festival, Pilate appeals to a custom of releasing one prisoner. He presents a choice: Jesus, whom he deems innocent, or Barabbas, a known criminal. The crowd, influenced by the religious leaders and fueled by their expectations of a political, rather than spiritual, Messiah, vehemently rejects Jesus and demands Barabbas. This moment irrevocably sets the stage for Jesus' unjust condemnation and eventual crucifixion.

Historically, Roman Judea was a province often on edge, especially during Passover, which was a nationalistic holiday. Releasing a prisoner was a gesture of Roman goodwill. Barabbas, being a lēstēs (bandit/insurrectionist), was likely viewed by some as a hero of nationalistic resistance against Roman occupation, fulfilling a desire for a powerful, liberating figure. This dynamic allowed the chief priests and elders to successfully turn the crowd against Jesus, promoting a rebel over the peaceful "King of Truth" (Jn 18:37).

John 18 40 Word analysis

• Then they all shouted again,

  • Then (τότε, tote): Connects to the preceding conversation where Pilate offered a choice.
  • they all (πάντες, pantes): Emphasizes the collective and unanimous nature of the rejection. This wasn't a fringe group but a substantial portion of the crowd, likely swayed by powerful influences.
  • shouted again (ἐκραύγασαν πάλιν, ekraugasan palin): "Shouted" signifies a loud, forceful, and public outcry, indicative of their fervor. "Again" emphasizes the reiteration or intensification of their demand, showing a fixed and determined will. The sound of a united, angry crowd could be intimidating and pressurizing, especially for a Roman official like Pilate.

• “Not this man, but Barabbas!”

  • Not (Οὐ, Ou): A strong negative, making an absolute rejection.
  • this man (τοῦτον, touton): Points directly to Jesus, highlighting their specific refusal of Him. It dehumanizes Him in their request, avoiding His name to emphasize His identity as a common person being judged.
  • but (ἀλλὰ, alla): Introduces a stark contrast, presenting a preferred alternative.
  • Barabbas (Βαραββᾶν, Barabban):
    • Transliteration from Greek: Barabbas.
    • Meaning: Likely Aramaic for "son of the father" or "son of Abba." The profound irony is evident: the crowd rejects the "Son of the Father" (Jesus, the Christ) for a human "son of the father," a criminal. Some ancient manuscripts even contain "Jesus Barabbas" in Mt 27:16-17, intensifying this dramatic, ironic contrast.

• Now Barabbas was a bandit.

  • Now (δὲ, de): A conjunction here, providing additional, explanatory information about Barabbas.
  • Barabbas was (ἦν δὲ ὁ Βαραββᾶς, ēn de ho Barabbas): A simple, factual statement regarding his identity.
  • a bandit (λῃστής, lēstēs):
    • Original Greek: lēstēs.
    • Meaning: This term is significantly stronger than kleptes (thief, one who steals by stealth). Lēstēs denotes a brigand, highwayman, robber, or, critically in this context, a violent insurgent or revolutionary.
    • Significance: This identification places Barabbas within a category of political agitators or rebels against Roman authority. Luke 23:19 clarifies he was imprisoned for insurrection and murder, affirming his violent nature. The crowd, in choosing a lēstēs, paradoxically preferred a violent revolutionary (who would lead by the sword) over the "Prince of Peace" (who brings a spiritual kingdom not of this world, Jn 18:36). This choice illustrates the misdirected messianic expectations of the age, which sought a political liberator rather than a spiritual redeemer. Furthermore, it foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion "between two lēstai" (Mt 27:38), highlighting how He was classified alongside criminals, despite His innocence.

John 18 40 Bonus Section

• The Paschal Lamb Paradox: In the broader context of Passover, where a lamb was sacrificed to atone for sins, the crowd ironically demanded the release of a murderer while sending the sinless "Lamb of God" (Jn 1:29) to slaughter. This perverse substitution highlights the central theme of atonement, but with a horrifying twist of human agency.
• Political Implications: The crowd's preference for Barabbas, a lēstēs (insurrectionist), over Jesus was likely rooted in strong nationalist sentiments. Many Jews yearned for a political leader who would overthrow Roman occupation and restore an independent Jewish kingdom. Jesus, with His spiritual kingdom not of this world, did not fit these expectations. Barabbas, on the other hand, symbolized the fight for freedom.
• Pilate's Weakness: Though Pilate perceived Jesus' innocence and attempted to release Him (Jn 18:38; 19:4, 6), he ultimately succumbed to the political pressure and fear of a riot or accusations of disloyalty to Caesar (Jn 19:12). This shows how human expediency and self-preservation can override justice and truth, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative of Jesus' trial.

John 18 40 Commentary

John 18:40 is a poignant and pivotal verse, encapsulating the deep tragedy of humanity's rejection of its Savior. Pilate's question presented a stark, undeniable choice: the innocent Jesus, the King of Truth, or Barabbas, a man of violence and rebellion. The crowd's resounding, collective cry, "Not this man, but Barabbas!", reflects not just a momentary lapse in judgment but a profound spiritual blindness and moral perversion. They opted for an earthly, carnal leader who promised deliverance through force over the true Messiah who offered eternal salvation through sacrifice. This decision underscores the powerful influence of peer pressure and the religious establishment, as well as the pervasive desire for a politically liberating Messiah. Ultimately, the verse serves as a chilling testament to humanity's capacity to choose darkness over light, death over life, and a symbol of their sinful nature. It irrevocably set the path for the perfect Son of God to be crucified for the sins of the very people who rejected Him, demonstrating God's unwavering love even in the face of human rebellion.