Keraia
John 19

John 19:8

The Soldiers Mock Jesus · John 19:1–15
Read John 19

Translations

Modern
When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid,
Traditional
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
Literal
Therefore when Pilate heard this word, he was even more afraid.
Latin
Cum ergo audisset Pilatus hunc sermonem, magis timuit.

Interlinear

Greek
English
When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid,

Notes

John 19:8–9

  • Pilate … was even more afraid: Pilate was superstitious, and stories of gods appearing in the world were not uncommon (Acts 14:11). He sensed more than a political fight was happening, so he asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" Pilate was not asking where Jesus was born. He was asking if Jesus was a divine man who came down from heaven.

  • Why Jesus did not answer is uncertain. Perhaps Pilate would not have understood that true power comes only from God, who had empowered Jesus (compare John 19:11).

John 19:1–16

Pilate had Jesus beaten after his sentencing (Mark 15:15). However, John here describes an earlier beating. This was likely Pilate's attempt to show that Jesus had been punished and he could release him (John 19:4). When this failed, Pilate passed his sentence and handed Jesus over to the Jewish leaders for crucifixion (19:16).

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 50:4–11 Matthew 27:27–31 Mark 15:16–20 Luke 22:63–65

People

Pilate: Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Caesarea Passion Procurator

Topics

Demagogism: Pilate Jesus, the Christ: Tried in Front of Pilate (In Jerusalem) King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate Politics: Pilate, Condemning Jesus to Gratify the Clamoring People Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Pilate Unholy Fear: Pilate