Devine Scripture

John 19:13

What does John 19:13 mean?

A plain-English look at John 19:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 19:13 means

Yielding to the immense political pressure, Pilate brings Jesus out and takes his seat on the judgment-seat, located at a paved area called The Pavement or Gabbatha. This act signifies the formal commencement of judgment according to Roman law. It is a moment of profound irony, as the representative of Rome, meant to uphold justice, is forced by fear to condemn an innocent man, showcasing the tragic perversion of justice and the triumph of human will over divine truth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So when these words came to Pilate's ear, he took Jesus out, seating himself in the judge's seat in a place named in Hebrew, Gabbatha, or the Stone Floor.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Pilate, therefore, having heard this word, brought Jesus without--and he sat down upon the tribunal--to a place called, `Pavement,' and in Hebrew, Gabbatha;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now when Pilate had heard these words, he brought Jesus forth and sat down in the judgment seat, in the place that is called Lithostrotos, and in Hebrew Gabbatha.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Pilate therefore, having heard these words, led Jesus out and sat down upon [the] judgment-seat, at a place called Pavement, but in Hebrew Gabbatha;

Context

This verse describes Pilate's surrender to the Jewish leaders' threats, immediately following their accusation that he was not Caesar's friend. His action of taking the judgment-seat signifies the formal, albeit coerced, legal process. This setting is crucial for the pronouncement of judgment and sets the stage for Pilate's final, provocative presentation of Jesus to the very people who demanded His death.

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.

v.13This passage

v.14Now it was the Preparation of the passover: it was about the sixth hour. And he saith unto the Jews, Behold, your King!

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 27:19

    And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

  • Psalms 94:20

    Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with thee, Which frameth mischief by statute?

  • Psalms 82:5

    They know not, neither do they understand; They walk to and fro in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

  • Luke 12:5

    But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

  • Acts 4:19

    But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

  • Isaiah 51:12

    I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;

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