Keraia
John 18

John 18:37

Jesus before Pilate · John 18:28–40
Read John 18

Translations

Modern
“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”
Traditional
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Literal
Therefore Pilate said to Him, “Then You are a king!” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, so that I may testify to the truth. Everyone being of the truth hears My voice.”
Latin
Dixit itaque ei Pilatus: Ergo rex es tu? Respondit Jesus: Tu dicis quia rex sum ego. Ego in hoc natus sum, et ad hoc veni in mundum, ut testimonium perhibeam veritati: omnis qui est ex veritate, audit vocem meam.

Original

Greek
English
“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”

Notes

John 18:36–37

Jesus was willing to accept the title of king, but he made it clear that he did not govern an earthly kingdom that might rival Rome. The kingship of Jesus is not of this world. Rather than being a political ruler, he rules through the devotion and obedience of his followers.

John 18:1–40

Jesus finished speaking his final words to his disciples in the upper room (13:31–17:26). Jesus then left the city and went to a garden east of Jerusalem to pray. There, authorities arrested him and took him back into the city for questioning by the Jewish religious leaders. The important "hour" Jesus often mentioned throughout the Gospel had arrived (see 2:4; see also study note on 12:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Pontius Pilate Encounters with Jesus

Events

Parallels

Matthew 27:11–14 Luke 23:1–5

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Pilate: Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial

Glossary

Acts of Pilate Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Judge Passion Procurator Tiberius Truth

Topics

Faith in Christ Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Kingdom of Its Nature Jesus, the Christ: Led by the Council to Pilate (In Jerusalem) Jesus, the Christ: Mission of Pontius Pilate: Tries Jesus and Orders his Crucifixion Prisoners: Jesus Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Being King in Zion: Fulfilled Slander: That he Was a King the King Christ: Declared by Himself Truth: Christ Bear Witness To Truth: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wisdom: Spiritual, from God