John 19:12
What does John 19:12 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:12 means
Following Jesus' powerful words, Pilate earnestly seeks to release Him. This renewed effort demonstrates the impact of Jesus' statement on his conscience. However, the Jewish leaders intensify their pressure, threatening Pilate by accusing him of disloyalty to Caesar if he releases Jesus. They argue that anyone claiming to be a king opposes Caesar. This political blackmail is a masterful manipulation, designed to force Pilate's hand by appealing to his fear of losing favor with the Roman emperor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Upon 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cesar.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Upon 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Hearing this, Pilate had a desire to let him go free, but the Jews said in a loud voice, If you let this man go, you are not Caesar's friend: everyone who makes himself a king goes against Caesar.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862From this <FI>time<Fi> was Pilate seeking to release him, and the Jews were crying out, saying, `If this one thou mayest release, thou art not a friend of Caesar; every one making himself a king, doth speak against Caesar.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And from henceforth Pilate sought to release him. But the Jews cried out, saying: If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar's friend. For whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890From this time Pilate sought to release him; but the Jews cried out saying, If thou releasest this [man], thou art not a friend to Caesar. Every one making himself a king speaks against Caesar.
Context
This verse marks Pilate's final, desperate attempt to release Jesus, directly prompted by Jesus' statement about authority and sin. The Jewish leaders' response is a powerful escalation of their tactics, using political threats against Pilate. This crucial turning point forces Pilate into an impossible choice between justice and his own political survival, leading directly to his ultimate capitulation and the formal sentencing of Jesus.
v.11Jesus 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.
v.12This passage
v.13When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment-seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 18:33
Pilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
- Mark 6:16
But Herod, when he heard thereof, said, John, whom I beheaded, he is risen.
- Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.
- Acts 17:6
And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
- Acts 24:24
But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
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