John 19:3
What does John 19:3 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:3 means
The soldiers continue their sadistic mockery, approaching Jesus and sarcastically hailing Him as "King of the Jews" before striking Him. Their actions are not merely physical abuse but psychological torment, meant to demean and degrade. This scene starkly contrasts with the reverence due to a true king. It highlights the profound disrespect and cruelty Jesus endured, yet He absorbed every blow and insult, fulfilling prophecies of a suffering servant who would not resist His oppressors.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they kept coming and saying, Long life to the King of the Jews! And they gave him blows with their hands.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and said, `Hail! the king of the Jews;' and they were giving him slaps.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they came to him and said: Hail, king of the Jews. And they gave him blows.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and came to him and said, Hail, king of the Jews! and gave him blows on the face.
Context
This verse continues the soldiers' abusive treatment of Jesus, following their actions in verse 2. Their verbal taunts and physical blows precede Pilate's re-presentation of Jesus to the Jewish leaders. This further emphasizes the injustice Jesus faced and underscores the deep-seated animosity driving His tormentors, preparing the reader for the relentless demand for His crucifixion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:49
And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.
- John 18:33
Pilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
- John 19:19
And Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. And there was written, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
- Matthew 27:29
And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
- Luke 1:28
And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee.
- John 18:22
And when he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
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