Barabbas is the named prisoner whom the crowds request for release in place of Jesus.

The occurrences use the name for the prisoner whom crowds are urged to request and whom Pilate releases; the same person is also identified as bound with rebels involved in murder and, in another account, as a robber.

1. The prisoner requested and released instead of Jesus · dominant

   The accusative singular form occurs as the object of requests and release: in Matthew 27:20 the APB renders the crowds asking for Barabbas while Jesus is to be destroyed, and in Mark 15:15 it renders Pilate releasing him to the crowd after Jesus is delivered for crucifixion. Matthew 27:17 and Matthew 27:21 frame the name within Pilate's choice between two men to release.

   Matthew 27:17Matthew 27:20Matthew 27:21Matthew 27:26Mark 15:11Mark 15:15
2. A prisoner described by criminal association · common

   In Mark 15:7 the nominative singular form identifies the one called Barabbas as bound with rebels who had committed murder in the uprising. John 18:40 separately presents him after the crowd's demand and states that he was a robber in the APB rendering.

   Mark 15:7John 18:40Matthew 27:16

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB retains the name "Barabbas" across the accounts, placing it in cries for release, Pilate's question, and the report of release. It also supplies narrative descriptions in Mark 15:7 and John 18:40.