John 19:18
What does John 19:18 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:18 means
At Golgotha, Jesus is crucified, a brutal and agonizing form of execution. Significantly, He is crucified between two other criminals, one on each side, placing Him in the middle as if He were the chief offender. This positioning also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:12, which states He would be "numbered with the transgressors." This central placement underscores both His ultimate sacrifice and the irony of an innocent God-man dying alongside common criminals for the sins of humanity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Where they put him on the cross with two others, one on this side and one on that, and Jesus in the middle.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862where they crucified him, and with him two others, on this side, and on that side, and Jesus in the midst.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, and Jesus in the midst.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890where they crucified him, and with him two others, [one] on this side, and [one] on that, and Jesus in the middle.
Context
This verse describes the grim act of crucifixion itself, following Jesus' arduous journey bearing His cross to Golgotha. The detail of Him being crucified between two others not only illustrates the scene but also serves to underscore the fulfillment of specific prophecy. This act of crucifixion sets the stage for the events on the cross, including the inscription above Him and the division of His garments.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 27:44
And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach.
- Mark 15:24
And they crucify him, and part his garments among them, casting lots upon them, what each should take.
- Psalms 22:16
For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.
- Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
- Matthew 27:35
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots;
- John 18:32
that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
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