Luke 23:3
What does Luke 23:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:3 means
Pilate goes straight to the heart of the political charge: Is Jesus the King of the Jews? Jesus replies, “Thou sayest,” an affirmation in careful terms. He does not deny His kingship, but He refuses to define it on Pilate’s terms. His rule is real, yet not established by revolt or force. This brief exchange underscores that Jesus is no ordinary defendant; He bears a dignity and restraint that unsettle earthly judges. He will not manipulate words to escape suffering. The truth stands, even if misunderstood. Pilate encounters a king whose authority is not threatened by trials, and whose kingdom advances through truth, not the sword.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Pilate said to him, Are you the King of the Jews? And he said in answer, You say so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Pilate questioned him, saying, `Thou art the king of the Jews?' and he answering him, said, `Thou dost say <FI>it<Fi> .'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Pilate asked him, saying: Art thou the king of the Jews? But he answering, said: Thou sayest it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Pilate demanded of him saying, Art thou the king of the Jews? And he answering him said, Thou sayest.
Context
This direct question arises from the leaders’ accusation. Pilate seeks clarity on whether Jesus poses a political danger. Jesus’ guarded affirmation sets a contrast between the world’s idea of kingship and the Messiah’s reign. Immediately following, Pilate will pronounce that he finds no fault in Jesus. The dialogue exposes a key theme: Jesus is innocent of insurrection, yet His unique identity as Christ-King remains central. This prepares the way for Pilate’s repeated declarations of innocence throughout the passage and for the tragic irony of the title later placed above the crucified Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- 1 Timothy 6:13
I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;
- Luke 22:70
And they all said, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
- Mark 15:18
and they began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
- Luke 19:38
saying, Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
- John 19:3
and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands.
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