Luke 23:17

17 But he must needs deliver to them one by the feast day. [Forsooth he had need to dismiss, or deliver, to them one by the feast day.]

Luke 23:17 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 23:17

For of necessity he must release one
And therefore proposed to release Jesus

unto them at the feast;
of passover, which now was; not that there was any law that obliged to it, but it having been customary with the Roman governor to do so, the people expected it; custom had made it necessary: and so the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render it, "it was a custom to release" not at each feast, or every feast, as the last of these versions read, only at the passover, as is expressed, ( John 18:39 ) .

Luke 23:17 In-Context

15 neither Herod, for he hath sent him again to us [but neither Herod, for I again sent you to him], and lo! nothing worthy of death is done to him.

16 And therefore I shall amend him, and deliver him. [+Therefore I shall deliver him amended/I shall let go him amended, or deliver him chastised.]

17 But he must needs deliver to them one by the feast day. [Forsooth he had need to dismiss, or deliver, to them one by the feast day.]

18 And all the people cried together, and said, Do him away, and deliver to us Barabbas; [Soothly all the company cried, saying, Do him away, and deliver to us Barabbas;]

19 which was sent into prison for disturbing made in the city, and for manslaying. [the which was sent into prison for some sedition, or disturbing, made in the city, and for manslaying.