John 18:28
What does John 18:28 mean?
A plain-English look at John 18:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 18:28 means
Following the interrogation by Caiaphas and the Jewish leaders (implicitly, the Sanhedrin), Jesus is led from Caiaphas's house to the Praetorium, the Roman governor Pilate's official residence. The detailed timing—\"it was early\"—emphasizes the urgency of the Jewish leaders. Crucially, they refuse to enter the Praetorium themselves to avoid ritual defilement, which would prevent them from eating the Passover meal. This highlights their meticulous adherence to external religious purity while actively pursuing an unjust condemnation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They lead Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Prætorium: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Prætorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They lead Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Prætorium: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Prætorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So they took Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not go into the Praetorium, so that they might not become unclean, but might take the Passover.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They led, therefore, Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium, and it was early, and they themselves did not enter into the praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the passover;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor's hall. And it was morning: and they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the pasch.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They lead therefore Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium; and it was early morn. And they entered not into the praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but eat the passover.
Context
This verse marks a significant transition: Jesus moves from Jewish religious authority to Roman political authority. It establishes the setting for the next phase of His trial and highlights the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders concerning ritual purity. This transfer necessitates Pilate's involvement, which is immediately addressed in the following verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 3:13
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had determined to release him.
- Acts 10:28
and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and yet unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean:
- John 11:55
Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves.
- Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.
- Luke 22:66
And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying,
- Mark 15:16
And the soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Prætorium; and they call together the whole band.
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