John 18:38
What does John 18:38 mean?
A plain-English look at John 18:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 18:38 means
After Jesus declares His purpose to bear witness to the truth, Pilate famously asks, \"What is truth?\" This question, posed with skepticism or perhaps genuine bewilderment, reflects the relativistic worldview of a Roman official and contrasts sharply with Jesus' absolute claims. Without waiting for an answer, Pilate immediately goes back out to the Jews, declaring, \"I find no crime in him.\" This rapid declaration shows Pilate's determination to dismiss the case, having found no viable political charge against Jesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Pilate said to him, True? what is true? Having said this he went out again to the Jews and said to them, I see no wrong in him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Pilate saith to him, `What is truth?' and this having said, again he went forth unto the Jews, and saith to them, `I do find no fault in him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Pilate saith to him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: I find no cause in him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Pilate says to him, What is truth? And having said this he went out again to the Jews, and says to them, I find no fault whatever in him.
Context
This verse provides Pilate's immediate, cynical or philosophical, reaction to Jesus' assertion about truth. It marks the conclusion of Pilate's initial, private interrogation and transitions back to his public interaction with the Jewish leaders. His declaration of Jesus' innocence sets up the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover, moving the story toward the choice between Jesus and Barabbas.
v.37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
v.38This passage
v.39But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 19:6
When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Take him yourselves, and crucify him: for I find no crime in him.
- Matthew 27:18
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.
- Acts 17:32
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.
- 1 Peter 1:19
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ:
- John 19:21
The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but, that he said, I am King of the Jews.
- Mark 15:14
And Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him.
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