TRV
John 18:29
Bible Versions
Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What charge are you bringing against this man?”
So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”
Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man?
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Matthew 27:23
And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. -
Mark 15:2
And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest [it]. -
Mark 15:5
But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. -
Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. -
Luke 23:3
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest [it]. -
Matthew 27:11
¶ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. -
Matthew 27:14
And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
John 18:29 marks a critical turning point in the Passion narrative, as Jesus' case transitions from the Jewish religious authorities to the Roman legal system, initiating His trial before Pontius Pilate.
Context
This verse immediately follows the Jewish leaders bringing Jesus from Caiaphas, the high priest, to the Praetorium, the official residence of the Roman governor. As detailed in John 18:28, the Jewish leaders refused to enter the Praetorium themselves. Their reason was to avoid ceremonial defilement, as it was the day of preparation for the Passover, and entering a Gentile dwelling would render them unclean for the feast. This religious scruple, while ironic given their intent to have Jesus executed, compelled Pilate to go out to them. His direct question, "What accusation bring ye against this man?", serves as the formal opening of the Roman legal proceedings against Jesus, demonstrating Pilate's initial attempt to understand the specific charges laid against the accused.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "accusation" is kategoria (κατηγορία), which refers to a formal charge or indictment in a legal context. Pilate's question is straightforward and procedural, reflecting the Roman emphasis on due process, even though the fairness of that process would ultimately be compromised. The phrase "bring ye" (φέρετε - pherete) is a direct imperative, underscoring his expectation that they present their case clearly and formally, as required by Roman legal standards.
Reflection
John 18:29 offers a profound glimpse into the intricate interplay of political power, religious fervor, and divine purpose. It reminds us that even when human systems of justice are flawed, manipulated, or compromised, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold. Pilate's initial inquiry, while seemingly an act of due diligence, was an essential step in the larger narrative leading to Jesus' crucifixion—a pivotal event for the salvation of humanity. This verse challenges us to consider how we respond when confronted with truth, especially when it conflicts with popular opinion, political pressure, or entrenched systems.