John 18:32
What does John 18:32 mean?
A plain-English look at John 18:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 18:32 means
John inserts this interpretive note, stating that the Jewish leaders' declaration in verse 31—that they lacked authority to execute—fulfilled Jesus' own prophecy. This refers to Jesus' earlier statements about dying by crucifixion, a Roman method of execution (e.g., John 12:32-33). By being put to death by the Romans, Jesus' specific predictions concerning the manner of His death were precisely brought to pass, underscoring the divine orchestration of these events.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(That the word of Jesus might come true, pointing to the sort of death he would have.)
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled which he said, signifying by what death he was about to die.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he said, signifying what death he should die.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled which he spoke, signifying what death he should die.
Context
This verse serves as an important theological commentary, connecting the Jewish leaders' legal limitations directly to Jesus' earlier prophecies. It clarifies the providential reason for Jesus being handed over to Pilate. This fulfillment of prophecy provides a frame for understanding the Roman trial that is about to commence, as Pilate now engages Jesus directly.
v.31Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
v.32This passage
v.33Pilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:31
The Jews took up stones again to stone him.
- John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
- Psalms 22:16
For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.
- John 10:33
The Jews answered him, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
- Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
- Acts 7:59
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
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