Devine Scripture

John 18:33

What does John 18:33 mean?

A plain-English look at John 18:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 18:33 means

Pilate re-enters the Praetorium, calls Jesus to him, and then asks directly, \"Art thou the King of the Jews?\" This question gets to the heart of the political charge against Jesus—sedition against Rome. While the Jewish leaders sought His condemnation for blasphemy, they presented a political charge to Pilate that would warrant a death sentence under Roman law. Pilate's question reveals his immediate concern for potential threats to Roman authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Pilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Pilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Pilate went back into the Praetorium and sent for Jesus and said to him, Are you the King of the Jews?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Pilate, therefore, entered into the praetorium again, and called Jesus, and said to him, `Thou art the King of the Jews?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Pilate therefore went into the hall again and called Jesus and said to him: Art thou the king of the Jews?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Pilate therefore entered again into the praetorium and called Jesus, and said to him, Thou art the king of the Jews?

Context

This verse marks the beginning of Pilate's direct interrogation of Jesus, following his initial exchange with the Jewish leaders outside. It immediately focuses on the most politically sensitive accusation against Jesus, addressing the core of Roman concern. This direct question initiates a profound discussion between Jesus and Pilate about the nature of Jesus' kingdom.

v.32that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die.

v.33This passage

v.34Jesus answered, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 2:34

    For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

  • 1 Timothy 6:13

    I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;

  • Zephaniah 3:15

    Jehovah hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even Jehovah, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not fear evil any more.

  • Isaiah 9:6

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  • John 12:15

    Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

  • John 19:9

    and he entered into the Prætorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

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