Definition: The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 27:21. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened after Jesus was nailed to the cross. Here's the simple explanation: The Situation: Jesus had been unjustly accused and convicted by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The governor is essentially asking him if he’d let him go on the condition that he’s released. What happened next: Barabbas: The prisoners are asked if they want to release Jesus. The Answer: They say, “Barabbas.” What does this mean? “Barabbas” is a Hebrew name meaning "the one who rises." It’s a nickname for the prisoner being led to the stake. It's a very harsh and defiant answer. It suggests the prisoners weren't pleading for leniency; they were refusing to accept their fate. The Significance: This is a crucial moment in the story because: It highlights injustice: The prisoners’ refusal to plead for mercy shows that they believed they were being treated unfairly. It sets the stage for Jesus' crucifixion: The governor, recognizing this defiant response, decides to give Jesus a more brutal punishment – crucifixion. He’s essentially saying, "You're not going to be released." In short, “Barabbas” means ‘the one who rises.’ It signifies that the prisoners refused to accept their unjust fate and were sentenced to death. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context about this passage in the Bible? Discuss the significance of the story as a whole?