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Matthew 27:21
ESV The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas."
NIV "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered.
NASB And the governor said to them, 'Which of the two do you want me to release for you?' And they said, 'Barabbas.'
CSB The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" "Barabbas!" they answered.
NLT So the governor asked again, 'Which of these two do you want me to release to you?' The crowd shouted back, 'Barabbas!'
KJV The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
NKJV The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

What does Matthew 27:21 mean?

Pilate has allowed some unspecified time to pass for the message to get out: he will be releasing one prisoner today, either Jesus the teacher or Barabbas the insurrectionist (Matthew 27:15–18). Hs clear intent is to see Jesus released. Now Pilate asks for a decision. They cry out "Barabbas!" Pilate will seem surprised by this answer. Perhaps he shouldn't have been. Though Jesus was popular with many (Matthew 21:10–11), it's likely that many of those at the governor's headquarters early in the morning were invited there, by Jesus' enemies, for this very purpose.

Even those with little knowledge of Jesus might have been swayed by the accusations of the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:20). The influential members of Jewish religious leadership wanted them to vote for Barabbas. It's not surprising that many people would side with longstanding priests and leaders, against both Roman occupiers and an accused blasphemer. All the same, it's hypocritical for the people to claim loyalty to Rome (John 19:15) while demanding the release of a confirmed rebel.
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