John 19:22
What does John 19:22 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:22 means
Pilate defiantly dismisses the chief priests' demand to change the inscription with a terse, resolute statement: "What I have written I have written." This unyielding response showcases Pilate's final act of stubbornness and frustration against the Jewish leaders' relentless manipulation. Having been forced to condemn an innocent man, he refuses to concede this minor point, ensuring that the proclamation of Jesus' kingship remains publicly and universally displayed, despite their objections.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Pilate made answer, What I have put in writing will not be changed.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Pilate answered, `What I have written, I have written.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Pilate answered: What I have written, I have written.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.
Context
This verse records Pilate's resolute refusal to alter the inscription on the cross, directly responding to the chief priests' demand from the previous verse. His unyielding stance marks the end of his interaction with the Jewish leaders regarding the crucifixion details. This final assertion of authority sets the scene for the continued narrative of the crucifixion, specifically the actions of the Roman soldiers concerning Jesus' garments.
v.21The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but, that he said, I am King of the Jews.
v.22This passage
v.23The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 65:7
Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.
- Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
- Genesis 43:14
and God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release unto you your other brother and Benjamin. And if I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
- John 19:12
Upon 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.
- Proverbs 8:29
When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth;
- Psalms 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.
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