Devine Scripture

John 19:9

What does John 19:9 mean?

A plain-English look at John 19:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 19:9 means

Pilate re-enters the Praetorium and directly questions Jesus about His origin, asking, "Whence art thou?" This inquiry reflects his exacerbated fear and his desire to understand if Jesus is indeed divine or from some supernatural realm. However, Jesus remains silent, offering no answer. His silence here is not defiance but a profound statement, refusing to engage with Pilate's superficial curiosity, especially when Pilate had already heard the truth and chose to ignore it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and he entered into the Prætorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and he entered into the Prætorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he went again into the Praetorium and said to Jesus, Where do you come from? But Jesus gave him no answer.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and entered again to the praetorium, and saith to Jesus, `Whence art thou?' and Jesus gave him no answer.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he entered into the hall again; and he said to Jesus: Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and went into the praetorium again and says to Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Context

This verse recounts Pilate's private re-interrogation of Jesus, spurred by his increased fear from the previous verse regarding Jesus' claim to be the Son of God. Jesus' silence in response to this particular question sets up Pilate's subsequent indignant query about his own power. This exchange highlights Jesus' control and refusal to engage on Pilate's terms, despite the dire circumstances.

v.8When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid;

v.9This passage

v.10Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee?

Cross references

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

  • Judges 13:6

    Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of the angel of God, very terrible; and I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:

  • Matthew 27:12

    And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

  • John 8:14

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Even if I bear witness of myself, my witness is true; for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye know not whence I come, or whither I go.

  • Psalms 38:13

    But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

  • Matthew 26:63

    But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God.

  • John 18:33

    Pilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

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