John 19:11
What does John 19:11 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:11 means
Jesus responds to Pilate, confirming that Pilate's authority is not inherent but granted "from above," meaning from God. This statement establishes divine sovereignty over all earthly power, even in the most unjust situations. Jesus then declares that the one who delivered Him to Pilate—referring primarily to Caiaphas, the high priest, and by extension, the Jewish religious leadership—bears "greater sin" because they knew the Law and still condemned an innocent man. This highlights the greater responsibility of those who reject God's truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus gave this answer: You would have no power at all over me if it was not given to you by God; so that he who gave me up to you has the greater sin.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered, `Thou wouldest have no authority against me, if it were not having been given thee from above; because of this, he who is delivering me up to thee hath greater sin.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered: Thou shouldst not have any power against me, unless it were given thee from above. Therefore, he that hath delivered me to thee hath the greater sin.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered, Thou hadst no authority whatever against me if it were not given to thee from above. On this account he that has delivered me up to thee has [the] greater sin.
Context
This verse presents Jesus' direct and profound response to Pilate's boast of authority from the previous verse. Jesus clarifies the divine source of all power and assigns greater culpability to those who delivered Him to Pilate. This declaration pivots the narrative back towards Pilate's dilemma, as he is now faced with both Jesus' innocence and the theological implications of His condemnation, which deeply complicates his decision.
v.10Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee?
v.11This passage
v.12Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Cæsar’s friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.
- Luke 10:11
Even the dust from your city, that cleaveth to our feet, we wipe off against you: nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh.
- Matthew 26:65
Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy:
- Luke 22:53
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
- Exodus 9:14
For I will this time send all my plagues upon thy heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
- Romans 11:36
For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen.
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