New International VersionPilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
New Living TranslationThen Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.
English Standard VersionSo Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Berean Standard BiblePilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Berean Literal BibleTherefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and he called Jesus and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
King James BibleThen Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
New King James VersionThen Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
New American Standard BibleTherefore Pilate entered the Praetorium again, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “You are the King of the Jews?”
NASB 1995Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
NASB 1977Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Legacy Standard BibleTherefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Amplified BibleSo Pilate went into the Praetorium again, and called Jesus and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Christian Standard BibleThen Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
American Standard VersionPilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Contemporary English VersionPilate then went back inside. He called Jesus over and asked, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
English Revised VersionPilate therefore entered again into the palace, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationPilate went back into the palace, called for Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
Good News TranslationPilate went back into the palace and called Jesus. "Are you the king of the Jews?" he asked him.
International Standard VersionSo Pilate went back into the governor's headquarters, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
NET BibleSo Pilate went back into the governor's residence, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
New Heart English BiblePilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Webster's Bible TranslationThen Pilate entered into the judgment-hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Weymouth New TestamentRe-entering the Praetorium, therefore, Pilate called Jesus and asked Him, "Are *you* the King of the Jews?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BiblePilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
World English BiblePilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionPilate, therefore, entered into the Praetorium again, and called Jesus, and said to Him, “You are the King of the Jews?”
Berean Literal BibleTherefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and he called Jesus and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
Young's Literal Translation Pilate, therefore, entered into the praetorium again, and called Jesus, and said to him, 'Thou art the King of the Jews?'
Smith's Literal TranslationThen came Pilate again into the pretorium, and asked Jesus, and said to him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BiblePilate therefore went into the hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him: Art thou the king of the Jews?
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Pilate entered the praetorium again, and he called Jesus and said to him, “You are the king of the Jews?”
New American BibleSo Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
New Revised Standard VersionThen Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BiblePilate then entered into the praetorium, and called Jesus and said to him. Are you the King of the Jews?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut Pilate entered the Praetorium and he called for Yeshua and said to him, “Are you The King of the Judeans?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen Pilate again entered the governor's palace, and called Jesus, and said to him: Are you the king of the Jews?
Godbey New TestamentThen Pilate came again into the judgment hall, and asked Jesus, and said to Him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Haweis New TestamentPilate therefore entered again into the prætorium, and called Jesus, and said to him, Art thou the king of the Jews?
Mace New TestamentThen Pilate entred into the Pretorium, and addressing himself to Jesus, said to him, are not you the king of the Jews?
Weymouth New TestamentRe-entering the Praetorium, therefore, Pilate called Jesus and asked Him, "Are *you* the King of the Jews?"
Worrell New TestamentPilate, therefore, entered again into the Praetorium, and called Jesus, and said to Him, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?"
Worsley New TestamentPilate therefore went into the palace again, and called Jesus and said to Him, Art thou the king of the Jews?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Before Pilate… 32This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate the kind of death He was going to die. 33PilatewentbackintothePraetorium,summonedJesus,andaskedHim,“AreYoutheKingof theJews?”34“Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?”…
Cross References John 19:9-11and he went back into the Praetorium. “Where are You from?” he asked. But Jesus gave no answer. / So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”
Matthew 27:11-14Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” ...
Mark 15:2-5So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. / Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” ...
Luke 23:3-4So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
John 18:36-37Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.” / “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.”
John 19:19-22Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. / Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. / So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but only that He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’” ...
John 1:49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
John 6:15Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.
John 12:13-15They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” / Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: / “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”
John 13:13You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am.
John 19:12From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”
Acts 4:27-28In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.
1 Timothy 6:13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:
Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
Psalm 2:2The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
Treasury of Scripture Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him, Are you the King of the Jews? and said. John 18:37 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. Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. Mark 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayestit. the king. John 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. John 12:13,15 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessedis the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord… John 19:3,19-22 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands… Jump to Previous EnteredHallInsideJesusJewsJudgmentJudgment-HallPalacePilatePraetoriumSummonedJump to Next EnteredHallInsideJesusJewsJudgmentJudgment-HallPalacePilatePraetoriumSummonedJohn 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.Pilate went back into the PraetoriumThe Praetorium was the official residence of the Roman governor in Jerusalem, likely located in the Antonia Fortress. This setting underscores the Roman authority over Judea and the political tension of the time. Pilate's return to the Praetorium indicates a private setting for the interrogation, away from the Jewish leaders who had brought Jesus to him. summoned Jesus Pilate's summoning of Jesus highlights the Roman legal process and Pilate's role as the judge. This act of summoning also fulfills the prophecy ofIsaiah 53:7, where the Messiah is described as being led like a lamb to the slaughter, emphasizing Jesus' submission to the authorities. and asked Him, Pilate's questioning reflects the Roman concern with political stability. The question is not theological but political, as any claim to kingship could be seen as a threat to Roman rule. This interrogation is part of the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction inMatthew 20:18-19, where He foretold His delivery to the Gentiles. “Are You the King of the Jews?” This question addresses the central accusation against Jesus, as claiming to be a king could be seen as insurrection against Caesar. The title "King of the Jews" is significant, as it connects to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, such as inZechariah 9:9. It also foreshadows the inscription placed on the cross (John 19:19). Jesus' kingship is spiritual rather than political, aligning with His earlier teachings about the Kingdom of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Pontius PilateThe Roman governor of Judea, who held the authority to judge Jesus. His role is crucial as he represents the Roman political power and the legal system of the time. 2. Jesus ChristThe central figure of Christianity, who is being questioned about His identity and mission. His response to Pilate's question is pivotal in understanding His kingship and the nature of His kingdom. 3. The PraetoriumThe official residence of the Roman governor, where Jesus was taken for trial. It symbolizes the intersection of earthly authority and divine purpose. 4. The Jewish LeadersAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the ones who brought Jesus to Pilate, seeking His execution. Their actions reflect the tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious order. 5. The Question of KingshipPilate's question addresses the political implications of Jesus' claim to be a king, which is central to the charges against Him. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' KingshipJesus' kingship is spiritual and eternal, not limited to earthly political systems. Believers are called to recognize His authority in their lives. The Nature of TruthPilate's question sets the stage for a deeper exploration of truth, which Jesus embodies. Christians are encouraged to seek and live by the truth found in Christ. Courage in ConfessionJesus' response to Pilate serves as a model for believers to boldly confess their faith, even in the face of opposition or misunderstanding. The Role of AuthorityPilate's interaction with Jesus reminds us of the limitations of human authority and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Believers should respect earthly authorities while prioritizing their allegiance to Christ. The Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' trial and the events surrounding it fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture and God's redemptive plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 18:33?
2.How does Pilate's question in John 18:33 challenge our understanding of Jesus' kingship?
3.What does Pilate's inquiry reveal about his perception of Jesus' authority and identity?
4.How can we apply Jesus' response to Pilate in our daily witness?
5.How does John 18:33 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
6.In what ways should Jesus' kingship influence our actions and decisions today?
7.What does Pilate's question reveal about his understanding of Jesus' kingship in John 18:33?
8.How does John 18:33 challenge the concept of earthly versus spiritual authority?
9.Why is Pilate's inquiry significant in the context of Roman governance and Jewish expectations?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 18?
11.What did Jesus mean by 'My kingdom is not worldly'?
12.Why does Pilate appear unusually sympathetic to Jesus when historical records describe him as ruthless?
13.What did Jesus mean by "My kingdom is not worldly"?
14.According to Isaiah 53:7, the servant remains silent when oppressed, yet in the Gospels Jesus speaks during his trials—how do we reconcile this contradiction?What Does John 18:33 Mean Pilate went back into the Praetorium• The Roman governor had already stepped outside to address the religious leaders (John 18:28-29). Returning inside underscores the sharp divide between Jewish ritual purity concerns and Roman civil proceedings. • Scripture presents Pilate as a real historical figure exercising legal authority (Luke 3:1;Matthew 27:2). His movements are literal, anchoring the Passion narrative in time and space. • God’s sovereignty is quietly at work—even in a pagan ruler’s palace—fulfillingIsaiah 53:8 as the Messiah is led to judgment. Pilate summoned Jesus• The call is authoritative, yet the One being summoned is “the Word” who spoke all things into existence (John 1:1-3). John juxtaposes earthly power with divine authority. • Jesus enters the governor’s hall willingly, echoing His earlier words: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18). • Behind closed Roman doors, prophecy moves forward;Psalm 2:1-2 foretells kings and rulers gathering against the Lord’s Anointed. Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”• The question strikes at both political security and messianic hope. Rome feared rebellion; Israel longed for David’s heir (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • Parallel accounts confirm the historicity: “Are You the King of the Jews?” (Matthew 27:11;Mark 15:2;Luke 23:3). • Jesus will clarify that His kingdom “is not of this world” (John 18:36), yet He is indeed the promised King (Zechariah 9:9;Revelation 19:16). • Pilate’s inquiry inadvertently proclaims truth: the Gentile ruler helps reveal Jesus’ royal identity to the nations (John 12:32). summaryPilate reenters his headquarters, summons Jesus, and poses the decisive question about kingship. Each move—recorded with literal accuracy—exposes the clash between earthly authority and the true, divinely ordained King. Through these simple actions God advances His redemptive plan, positioning His Son to bear witness to the truth and to reign forever. (33) Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus.--Better, Pilate therefore entered into the Pr?torium (or palace) again, and called Jesus. (Comp. John 18:28.) This was practically a private investigation, for the Jews could not enter the palace ( John 18:28). (Comp. John 19:13.) Art thou the King of the Jews?--Comp. Note onMatthew 27:11;Luke 23:2-3. Pilate, of course, knew of the charge brought against Him when he gave permission for the Roman cohort to apprehend Him. . . . Verses 33-38. - (b) [Within the Praetorium.] Christ's admission that he was a . King, but that his kingdom was not of this world. Verses 33, 34. - Pilate therefore entered againinto the Praetorium, out of direct hearing of the vociferous crowd, where Jesus and John himself had remained under supervision of the officers of the court, and called - summoned -Jesus to his side, and said to him that of which the mob outside formed an imperfect idea. The account of John throws much light on the inference which Pilate drew from the reply of Jesus, as given in Ver. 38 and in Luke 23:4. To the loud accusations and bitter charges of "the chief priests and elders" ( Matthew 27:11, 12; Mark 15:3, 4) brought in the presence of Pilate, Christ answered nothing. His solemn and accusing silence caused the governor to marvel greatly (see both Matthew 27:14 and Mark 15:5). He marveled not only at the silence of the Lord, but at that silence after he, Pilate, had received from him so explicit a statement as to the nature of his own kingdom. An explanation of the motive of Pilate, and of his entire manner upon this occasion, is to be found in the private interview between our Lord and the Roman governor within the Praetorium. It is unnecessary (with many) to see in Pilate an "almost persuaded" believer in the claims of Jesus, who yet was warring with his better judgment, and apostatizing from a nascent faith. He appears rather as the Roman man of the world, who has never learned to rule his policy by any notions of righteousness and truth, and is utterly unable to appreciate the spiritual claims of this Nazarene; yet he was shrewd enough to see that, so far as Roman authority was concerned, this Prisoner was utterly harmless. His question was, Art thou the King of the Jews? Of course, he expected at first a negative reply. Should this abused and rejected, this bound and bleeding Sufferer, with no apparent followers around him, actually betrayed by one of his intimate friends, deserted by the rest, and hounded to death by the fierce cries of Pharisee and Sadducee, chief priest and elder, answer in the affirmative, it might easily suggest itself to Pilate that he must be under some futile hallucination. It has been said that the question might have been answered right off in the affirmative or in the negative, according as the term "King of the Jews" was understood. If what Pilate meant was a popular titular leader, imperator of Jewish levies, one prepared for the career of Judas of Galilee, or Herod the Idumaean, or for that of Barchochab in after times, - nothing could seem to be less likely or more patently repudiated by the facts; moreover, from our Lord himself, who had always refused a quasi-royal dignity ( John 6:15), it would have required an emphatic negative. Pilate knew no other way of interpreting the phrase. If the term meant the true "King of Israel," the Messiah anticipated by prophecy and psalm, the King of all kings and Lord of lords, the Ruler of hearts, who would draw all men to him, and east out and vanquish the prince of this world, then the "crown" was his, and he could not deny it; but before this assertion was made in the hearing of the multitude, our Lord would draw from Pilate the sense in which he used the words. He does not say to him, Σὺ λέγεις, "Thou sayest" -a reply given verbatim by all the synoptists, and referring to a second demand made in the presence of the multitude - but he put a counter-question, Sayest thou this thing, askest thou this question, from thyself? - from thy knowledge of the hopes kindled by the ancient books, or from comparing my words with my appearance, or from any judgments thou hast formed a priori? (so Godet, Neander, Olshausen, and Ewald). Thus Jesus was not so much informing Pilate of the distinction between the two kingships, as claiming qua Prisoner at the bar the source of the accusation. "Have I put forth any claim of this kind, which thou as the chief magistrate of this Roman province hast any legal cognizance of?" It was not, as Hengstenberg and Westcott suggest, an appeal to the man rather than to the governor, to the conscience of Pilate rather than to the forms of the tribunal; but (Meyer), with the intrepid consciousness of perfect innocence of the political crime, our Lord asks for the formal declaration of the charge brought against him. Or did others tell it thee concerning me? Alford, Lange, Schaff, etc., all agree with Godet in supposing that Christ was discriminating between the theocratic and the political use of the great phrase. It is obvious that he did rise from the latter to the former in the following verses, but it is difficult to find the distinction in this alternative question. "Did others (not thine own police or observation) - did the Jews, in fact, bring thee this charge against me? Nay, did they not? Is it not entirely due to this outbreak of hostility to my teaching that they have chosen thus to impeach me before thee - to deliver me to thee?" Therefore, first of all, Christ repudiated the charge, in the only sense in which it could have conveyed any colorable idea to the mind of Pilate.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek PilateΠιλᾶτος(Pilatos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4091:Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.wentΕἰσῆλθεν(Eisēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.backπάλιν(palin)Adverb Strong's 3825:Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Praetorium,πραιτώριον(praitōrion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4232:Of Latin origin; the praetorium or governor's courtroom.summonedἐφώνησεν(ephōnēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5455:From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation.Jesus,Ἰησοῦν(Iēsoun)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.askedεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.Him,αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“Areεἶ(ei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd 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.YouΣὺ(Sy)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.KingΒασιλεὺς(Basileus)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 935:A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.of theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Jews?”Ἰουδαίων(Ioudaiōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.
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NT Gospels: John 18:33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium (Jhn Jo Jn) |