John 19:2
What does John 19:2 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:2 means
The soldiers, mocking Jesus' claim to kingship, fashion a crown out of thorns and force it onto His head. They then dress Him in a purple robe, the color of royalty, to further ridicule Him. This scene is one of intense humiliation and physical torment, as the thorns puncture His scalp. It's a display of human cruelty and contempt, yet paradoxically, Jesus is indeed a King, though His kingdom is not of this world, and His crown is one of suffering rather than earthly glory.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple garment;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple garment;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the men of the army made a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the soldiers having plaited a crown of thorns, did place <FI>it<Fi> on his head, and a purple garment they put around him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the soldiers platting a crown of thorns, put it upon his head: and they put on him a purple garment.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the soldiers having plaited a crown of thorns put it on his head, and put a purple robe on him,
Context
Following the scourging, this verse details the soldiers' further mockery of Jesus. This escalation of abuse sets the stage for Pilate's next attempt to present Jesus to the crowd, hoping that His battered appearance will evoke sympathy. The irony of their mockery against the backdrop of Jesus' true kingship will become clearer as the narrative progresses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 49:7
Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.
- Mark 15:16
And the soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Prætorium; and they call together the whole band.
- Matthew 27:27
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Prætorium, and gathered unto him the whole band.
- John 19:5
Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold, the man!
- Luke 23:11
And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.
- Psalms 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people.
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