John 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611}, My {G1699} kingdom {G932} is {G2076} not {G3756} of {G1537} this {G5127} world {G2889}: if {G1487} my {G1699} kingdom {G932} were {G2258} of {G1537} this {G5127} world {G2889}, then would {G302} my {G1699} servants {G5257} fight {G75}, that {G3363} I should {G3860} not {G3363} be delivered {G3860} to the Jews {G2453}: but {G1161} now {G3568} is {G2076} my {G1699} kingdom {G932} not {G3756} from hence {G1782}.

Yeshua answered, “My kingship does not derive its authority from this world’s order of things. If it did, my men would have fought to keep me from being arrested by the Judeans. But my kingship does not come from here.”

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Commentary

John 18:36 (KJV)

"Jesus answered, ‹My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.›"

Commentary

This verse is part of Jesus' exchange with Pontius Pilate during His trial. Pilate, representing Roman authority, is concerned about Jesus' claim to be a king, which could challenge Caesar's rule.

Jesus' answer clarifies the fundamental nature of His kingship and kingdom. He states unequivocally that His kingdom's origin and nature are not "of this world" (Greek: ek tou kosmou toutou), meaning it does not derive its power, authority, or methods from earthly systems or political structures.

He offers proof: if His kingdom were earthly, His followers ("servants") would have fought to prevent His arrest and delivery to the Jewish authorities. The fact that they did not engage in armed conflict (despite Peter's initial attempt, see Matthew 26:52) demonstrates that His kingdom operates by different principles and power.

The phrase "not from hence" (Greek: ouk enthen) reinforces the idea of its non-earthly origin. It is a spiritual kingdom, established by divine power, focused on truth, righteousness, peace, and the transformation of hearts, rather than on territorial conquest or political dominance in the conventional sense.

This truth is central to understanding Jesus' mission and the nature of the church. It calls believers to allegiance to a spiritual reality that transcends earthly politics and power struggles, while still living responsibly within the world. (See also Romans 14:17, Colossians 1:13).

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Cross-References

  • Luke 17:20 (17 votes)

    ¶ And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

  • Luke 17:21 (17 votes)

    Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

  • Colossians 1:12 (14 votes)

    ¶ Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

  • Colossians 1:14 (14 votes)

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

  • John 6:15 (12 votes)

    ¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

  • Romans 14:17 (12 votes)

    For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

  • Daniel 7:14 (11 votes)

    And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.