Keraia
John 18

John 18:39

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

Translations

Modern
But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
Traditional
But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Literal
But it is your custom that I should release to you one at the Passover; therefore do you wish that I should release to you the King of the Jews?”
Latin
Est autem consuetudo vobis ut unum dimittam vobis in Pascha: vultis ergo dimittam vobis regem Judæorum?

Interlinear

Greek
English
But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

Notes

John 18:38–39

  • What is truth?: Truth was not a foreign idea to Pilate. But he did not wait for an answer because he did not believe there was one.

  • Pilate returned to the council members waiting outside and delivered his verdict: not guilty. Although he referred to Jesus as “King of the Jews” (see also 19:19), the title was just an expression meant to mock Jesus. Pilate wanted to release Jesus. His offer showed that he did not want Jesus to be executed.

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

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Passover: An annual Jewish feast commemorating the Exodus

Glossary

Barabbas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) John, Gospel of Judge Passion Procurator

Topics

Demagogism: Pilate Jesus, the Christ: Tried in Front of Pilate (In Jerusalem) Passover: Prisoner Released At, by the Romans Politics: Pilate, Condemning Jesus to Gratify the Clamoring People Pontius Pilate: Tries Jesus and Orders his Crucifixion Prisoners: Jesus Prisoners: Released at Feasts Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Pilate The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Power of Life and Death Vested in Its Authorities