New International Version“If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.”
New Living Translation“We wouldn’t have handed him over to you if he weren’t a criminal!” they retorted.
English Standard VersionThey answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.”
Berean Standard Bible“If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.”
Berean Literal BibleThey answered and said to him, "If He were not doing evil, we would not have delivered Him to you."
King James BibleThey answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
New King James VersionThey answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
New American Standard BibleThey answered and said to him, “If this Man were not a criminal, we would not have handed Him over to you.”
NASB 1995They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.”
NASB 1977They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
Legacy Standard BibleThey answered and said to him, “If this man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.”
Amplified BibleThey answered, “If He were not a criminal, we would not have handed Him over to you [for judgment].”
Christian Standard BibleThey answered him, “If this man weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t have handed him over to you.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey answered him, “If this man weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t have handed Him over to you.”
American Standard VersionThey answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee.
Contemporary English VersionThey answered, "He is a criminal! That's why we brought him to you."
English Revised VersionThey answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evil-doer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe Jews answered Pilate, "If he weren't a criminal, we wouldn't have handed him over to you."
Good News TranslationTheir answer was, "We would not have brought him to you if he had not committed a crime."
International Standard VersionThey answered him, "If he weren't a criminal, we wouldn't have handed him over to you."
NET BibleThey replied, "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you."
New Heart English BibleThey answered him, "If this man weren't an evildoer, we would not have delivered him up to you."
Webster's Bible TranslationThey answered and said to him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up to thee.
Weymouth New Testament"If the man were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.”
World English BibleThey answered him, “If this man weren’t an evildoer, we wouldn’t have delivered him up to you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey answered and said to him, “If He were not doing evil, we had not delivered Him to you.”
Berean Literal BibleThey answered and said to him, "If He were not doing evil, we would not have delivered Him to you."
Young's Literal Translation they answered and said to him, 'If he were not an evil doer, we had not delivered him to thee.'
Smith's Literal TranslationThey answered and said to him, If he were not injurious, we had not delivered him to thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey answered, and said to him: If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up to thee.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThey responded and said to him, “If he were not an evil-doer, we would not have handed him over you.”
New American BibleThey answered and said to him, “If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.”
New Revised Standard VersionThey answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey answered and said to him, If he were not an evil-doer, we would not have delivered him up also to you.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd they answered, and they were saying to him, “If he were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered him to you.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThey answered and said to him: If this man were not an evil-doer, we would not have delivered him to you.
Godbey New TestamentThey responded and said to him, If He were not an evil doer, we would not deliver Him to you.
Haweis New TestamentThey answered and said to him, If this fellow had not been a malefactor, we should not have delivered him up to thee.
Mace New Testamentthey answered him, if he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him to you.
Weymouth New Testament"If the man were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you."
Worrell New TestamentThey answered and said to him, "If this Man were not an evil-doer, we would not have delivered Him up to you."
Worsley New TestamentThey answered him, If He were not a malefactor, we should not have delivered Him to thee.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Before Pilate… 29So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” 30“IfHewerenota criminal,”they replied,“we would not have handed Him overto you.”31“You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied.…
Cross References Matthew 27:23“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”
Mark 15:14“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”
Luke 23:4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
Acts 24:5-6We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
John 19:4Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.”
John 19:6As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.”
Matthew 26:59-60Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
Mark 14:55-56Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent.
Luke 23:14-15and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.
Acts 25:7When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.
Isaiah 53:9He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.
Psalm 69:4Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.
Psalm 109:3-4They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.
Jeremiah 26:11Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!”
Daniel 6:4-5Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”
Treasury of Scripture They answered and said to him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up to you. If. John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. Mark 15:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. Luke 20:19-26 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them… delivered. Mark 10:33Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: Luke 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to lethim go. Jump to Previous CriminalDeliveredDoerEvilEvildoerHandedWeren'tWouldn'tWrongdoerJump to Next CriminalDeliveredDoerEvilEvildoerHandedWeren'tWouldn'tWrongdoerJohn 18 1.Judas betrays Jesus.6.The officers fall to the ground.10.Peter cuts off Malchus' ear.12.Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas.15.Peter's denial.19.Jesus examined before Caiaphas.25.Peter's second and third denial.28.Jesus arraigned before Pilate.36.His kingdom.40.The Jews prefer Barabbas.If He were not a criminal,The Jewish leaders are speaking to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. The term "criminal" here reflects their accusation against Jesus, implying He has committed offenses worthy of Roman intervention. In the Jewish context, the leaders viewed Jesus as a blasphemer for claiming to be the Son of God ( John 10:33). Theologically, this accusation is ironic because Jesus, who is sinless ( Hebrews 4:15), is being labeled a criminal. This reflects the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:12, where the Messiah is "numbered with the transgressors." they replied,
The Jewish leaders are responding to Pilate's question about the charges against Jesus. This interaction highlights the tension between Jewish and Roman authorities. The Jewish leaders are trying to manipulate the Roman legal system to achieve their goal of executing Jesus, as they lacked the authority to carry out capital punishment (John 18:31). we would not have handed Him over to you.
This phrase indicates the Jewish leaders' insistence on Jesus' guilt. Their statement is an attempt to pressure Pilate into accepting their judgment without further investigation. Historically, this reflects the complex relationship between the Jewish authorities and the Roman government, where the former had to navigate Roman legal structures to maintain their religious and social order. This handing over of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, fulfilling Jesus' own predictions about His death (Mark 10:33-34) and illustrating the theme of divine sovereignty in the midst of human injustice. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure of the New Testament, who is being accused and handed over to the Roman authorities by the Jewish leaders. 2. Jewish LeadersThe religious authorities who are accusing Jesus of being a criminal and are responsible for handing Him over to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. 3. Pontius PilateThe Roman governor of Judea, who is responsible for adjudicating the case against Jesus. 4. JerusalemThe city where these events are taking place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life and the location of the Temple. 5. Roman AuthorityRepresents the political power of the time, under which the Jewish leaders sought to have Jesus executed. Teaching Points Understanding False AccusationsThe Jewish leaders accused Jesus of being a criminal without just cause. As Christians, we must be wary of false accusations and ensure that our judgments are based on truth and righteousness. The Role of Envy and FearThe leaders' actions were driven by envy and fear of losing their power. We should examine our own hearts for similar motivations that might lead us away from God's will. Jesus' Innocence and SacrificeDespite being innocent, Jesus willingly submitted to the authorities, fulfilling His role as the sacrificial Lamb. This teaches us about humility and obedience to God's plan. The Fulfillment of ProphecyThe events of John 18:30 are part of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This reinforces the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture. The Sovereignty of GodEven in the midst of injustice, God's sovereign plan is at work. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem unjust or chaotic. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 18:30?
2.How does John 18:30 reflect the rejection of Jesus by the authorities?
3.What does John 18:30 reveal about the nature of false accusations?
4.How can we discern truth when faced with accusations, as seen in John 18:30?
5.How does John 18:30 connect with Jesus' earlier predictions of His betrayal?
6.What steps can we take to stand firm in truth, inspired by John 18:30?
7.Why did the Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate in John 18:30?
8.How does John 18:30 reflect the Jewish leaders' view of Jesus?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in John 18:30?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 18?
11.What did Jesus mean by 'My hour has not yet come'?
12.What does 'Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit' mean?
13.How does Isaiah 45:9's analogy of the clay questioning the potter align with human free will and responsibility for evil?
14.What events occurred during Jesus' final hours?What Does John 18:30 Mean If He were not a criminal• The religious leaders open with an assertion, not evidence, echoingProverbs 18:13—answering before hearing. • Their label of “criminal” aims to justify their actions, similar to the false accusations inPsalm 35:11 and the slanders against Jeremiah inJeremiah 37:13–14. • Ironically,Isaiah 53:9 foretells Messiah would be “assigned a grave with the wicked,” showing their charge fulfills prophecy even while being untrue.
they replied• The hasty response reveals a defensive posture, much like the elders’ quick answer inActs 6:12–14 when Stephen is accused. • By replying instead of presenting proof, they show contempt for due process mandated inDeuteronomy 19:15. • Their reply contrasts sharply with Jesus’ own measured answers inJohn 18:20–21, highlighting the gulf between truth and deceit.
we would not have handed Him over to you• The leaders appeal to their own authority, mirroring the tactic inLuke 23:2 where they pivot charges to fit Roman interests. • Their statement assumes Pilate should accept their verdict without examination, violating the principle seen inActs 25:16 that an accused must face accusers. • Handing Jesus to Gentiles fulfills Jesus’ prediction inMark 10:33–34, underscoring God’s sovereign timetable even through human scheming.
summaryJohn 18:30 captures the religious leaders’ attempt to pressure Pilate by branding Jesus a criminal without proof. Their defensive, authority-based reply exposes their injustice, yet every twist serves to fulfill Scripture’s prophecies about the Messiah’s rejection and delivery to the Gentiles. (30) If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.--They take the position that the Roman is the executive, and their own the judicial power. They bring no legal charge against Jesus, but assert, in effect that they themselves, who understood and had investigated the whole matter, had condemned Him to death, and that the fact that they had done so was in itself sufficient proof that He was worthy of death. They use the vague word "malefactor," "evil-doer," though in the trial before Caiaphas they had not sought to prove any evil deed, and they expect that upon this assertion Pilate will pronounce on Him, as on other malefactors, the sentence of death. Verses 30, 31. - They answered and said, ifhe were not a malefactor,we should not have delivered him up to thee. This was somewhat audacious. It was as much as to say, "We have judged, you have only to register our decisions. We are not bound to go through our evidence before you." If it had been so, the deprivation of the jus gladii, the power of capital execution would have mattered little to them. Pilate, in scorn and irony, replies, "If that be so, why have ye brought him to me? If you are unwilling to comply with the terms of Roman jurisprudence, then it must be some ease which you can dispose of according to your own rules." Take ye him yourselves, and according to your Law judge him. Pilate saw their animus, and that they were thirsting for the blood of Jesus, and wished at once to flout them and make them confess their impotence and admit his suzerainty. For them to judge ( κρίνειν) was not equivalent to put to death ( ἀποκτεῖμαι), and Pilate clearly suggested that much. The Jews [ therefore] said to him, It is not lawful ( οὐκ ἔξεστι) to us to put any man to death. This was perfectly true, notwithstanding the tumultuary and violent acts and threats, and incipient stonings of Jesus, to which the Gospel refers ( John 8:3, 59; John 7:25). Other interpretations of this exclamation have been supplied, viz. "to execute criminals of state" (Krebs), "to do so on feast-days" (Semler); but the power had been formally taken from even the supreme court, forty years before the destruction of Jerusalem. The instance of the massacre of James the Just, occurring between the departure of one Roman governor and the arrival of another, is mentioned by Josephus ('Ant.,' 20:09. 1) as a distinct infringement and violation of law. The stoning of Stephen in a wild tumult, and the proceedings of Herod Agrippa, are rather confirmations than violations of the rule. Thus the malign disposition and distinct purpose of the Jews were revealed. They would not have brought Jesus at all before the Roman governor, nor admitted his claim to decide any case involving religious ideas and practices, if they had not fully decided that Jesus must die. Bat John sees a deeper reason still.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek “IfΕἰ(Ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.Heοὗτος(houtos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.wereἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.a criminal,”κακὸν(kakon)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2556:Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.they replied,Ἀπεκρίθησαν(Apekrithēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.“we would not have handed Him overπαρεδώκαμεν(paredōkamen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3860:From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.to you.”σοι(soi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
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NT Gospels: John 18:30 They answered him If this man weren't (Jhn Jo Jn) |
