John 18:38

KJV

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].

KJV (with Strong's)

Pilate {G4091} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, What {G5101} is {G2076} truth {G225}? And {G2532} when he had said {G2036} this {G5124}, he went out {G1831} again {G3825} unto {G4314} the Jews {G2453}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, I {G1473} find {G2147} in {G1722} him {G846} no {G3762} fault {G156} at all.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pilate asked him, “What is truth?”

Having said this, Pilate went outside again to the Judeans and told them, “I don’t find any case against him.

Berean Standard Bible

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.

American Standard Version

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal moment from the trial of Jesus, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, poses the profound and rhetorical question, "What is truth?" This query immediately follows Jesus' declaration that His purpose is to bear witness to the truth, setting up a stark contrast between worldly pragmatism and divine reality. Pilate's subsequent action—turning away from Jesus to declare His innocence to the Jewish crowd—underscores a timeless human tendency to evade ultimate truth, especially when it demands a costly response or challenges established power structures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 18:38 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, immediately following Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and His preliminary interrogation by Annas and Caiaphas. The preceding verses (John 18:33-37) detail Pilate's initial questioning of Jesus regarding His kingship and the nature of His kingdom. Jesus' direct statement in [John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Purpose to Bear Witness to Truth")—"To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice"—directly precipitates Pilate's famous retort. The verse then transitions to Pilate's public declaration of Jesus' innocence, setting the stage for the subsequent events of the passion narrative, including the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, the scourging, and ultimately, the crucifixion. This immediate shift from a profound philosophical inquiry to a political maneuver highlights Pilate's priorities and the worldly rejection of divine truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus took place in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (or governor) of Judea from AD 26 to 36, a position that required him to maintain Roman order and suppress any perceived rebellion. Roman law and justice, while often brutal, aimed for a degree of pragmatic fairness, especially concerning capital cases. Pilate's question, "What is truth?", can be understood through the lens of Roman pragmatism and perhaps a touch of cynical weariness with the abstract philosophical debates common in the Greco-Roman world. For a Roman official, "truth" might be less about absolute metaphysical reality and more about verifiable facts, legal precedent, or even political expediency. The Jewish leaders, having no authority to execute Jesus under Roman occupation, brought Him to Pilate on charges of sedition, claiming He was making Himself a king, which was a direct challenge to Caesar's authority (see [John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate's Fear of Caesar")). Pilate's subsequent declaration of "no fault" to the Jews was a legal judgment, indicating that from a Roman legal standpoint, Jesus was innocent of the charges brought against Him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several profound themes woven throughout the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **clash between divine truth and worldly perception**. Jesus, who repeatedly identifies Himself as "the truth" (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), stands before a representative of the world who either cannot grasp or chooses to dismiss this ultimate reality. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Pilate's moral dilemma and political expediency**. Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, Pilate ultimately prioritizes maintaining order and appeasing the crowd over administering true justice, a recurring motif in the passion accounts (e.g., [Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")). Thirdly, the scene speaks to the **world's rejection of Christ**. Pilate's immediate departure after asking about truth symbolizes humanity's frequent turning away from the light when confronted with the challenging implications of God's revelation. Finally, it subtly reinforces **Jesus' blamelessness and sovereignty**, even in His apparent vulnerability, as His innocence is affirmed by the very authority that will condemn Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** From G225. This word signifies reality, genuineness, sincerity, and divine revelation. It stands in direct opposition to falsehood, illusion, or deception. In the context of John's Gospel, _alḗtheia_ is not merely an abstract concept but is personified in Jesus Christ, who is the full and final revelation of God's nature and will. Pilate's question, therefore, is not just about a philosophical concept, but about the very essence of the one standing before him.
* **find (Greek, _heurískō'_):** From G2147. This verb means to discover, obtain, or perceive, either literally or figuratively. When Pilate states, "I find in him no fault," he is expressing a legal conclusion based on his examination of Jesus. It implies a search or investigation that yielded a particular result. His declaration is a direct, albeit temporary, acquittal of Jesus based on the evidence (or lack thereof) presented.
* **fault (Greek, _aitía'_):** From G156. This term refers to a cause, reason, or, in a legal context, a crime or accusation. Pilate's use of "no fault" (οὐδεμίαν αἰτίαν, _oudemían aitían_) indicates that he found no legitimate basis for the charges of sedition or any other capital offense brought against Jesus by the Jewish leaders. This is a crucial legal declaration of Jesus' innocence from the Roman perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?"**: This opening clause captures the dramatic tension. Pilate, a pragmatic Roman governor, responds to Jesus' profound statement about bearing witness to truth with a question that can be interpreted as cynical, rhetorical, or even a fleeting moment of genuine philosophical inquiry. The abruptness and the lack of an awaited answer suggest a mind more concerned with political realities than metaphysical ones.
* **"And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews,"**: This clause describes Pilate's immediate action after posing the question. His swift departure from the inner chamber where Jesus was held, without waiting for a reply, is highly significant. It visually represents his turning away from the opportunity to engage with ultimate truth, prioritizing the demands of the external political situation over a deeper spiritual inquiry. The phrase "went out again" implies a return to a previous position or interaction.
* **"and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all]."**: Upon rejoining the Jewish leaders and the crowd, Pilate delivers his verdict. This declaration of Jesus' innocence ("no fault at all" or "no ground for a charge") is a legal judgment. It serves as an ironic testimony to Jesus' blamelessness, coming from the very authority that will ultimately condemn Him. This statement also highlights Pilate's initial reluctance to crucify Jesus, setting the stage for his subsequent attempts to release Him.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly **Dramatic Irony**. Pilate, the Roman governor, asks "What is truth?" while standing directly before Jesus, who has explicitly declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The audience knows that Pilate is speaking to the embodiment of truth, yet he remains oblivious and unwilling to wait for an answer. This creates a profound sense of irony, highlighting Pilate's spiritual blindness and the world's inability or refusal to recognize divine truth. The immediate departure of Pilate after his question serves as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing humanity's frequent turning away from profound spiritual realities when they become inconvenient or challenging. Furthermore, Pilate's question itself can be seen as a **Rhetorical Question**, perhaps not intended to elicit an answer, but rather to express a cynical or weary perspective on the concept of absolute truth, especially in a political context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 18:38 stands as a stark theological commentary on the nature of truth and humanity's response to it. In the Gospel of John, truth is not merely a philosophical concept or a set of propositions; it is intrinsically linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pilate's question, "What is truth?", is deeply ironic, as he stands before the very embodiment of God's ultimate reality. His immediate departure signifies the world's tendency to dismiss or turn away from divine truth when it demands a radical reorientation of life or challenges worldly power and convenience. This scene underscores the chasm between human understanding and divine revelation, demonstrating that without a willingness to receive, even direct confrontation with truth can be met with indifference or rejection. Pilate's declaration of "no fault" also serves as a crucial theological point, affirming Jesus' sinlessness and blamelessness, even by an earthly, secular authority, which is foundational to His role as the spotless Lamb of God.

* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")
* [John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")
* [1 John 5:20](/1_john/5-20 "1 John 5:20 - Knowing the True God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Pilate's question, "What is truth?", resonates powerfully in our contemporary world, which often grapples with subjective realities, "alternative facts," and a pervasive skepticism towards absolute truth. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we, like Pilate, ask profound questions about life's ultimate realities only to immediately turn away from the answer? Are we truly seeking truth, or are we content with convenient narratives that align with our preconceived notions or personal comfort? The Christian faith asserts that truth is not an abstract concept but a Person—Jesus Christ. To embrace Him is to embrace absolute truth, which brings not only understanding but also freedom and abundant life. Pilate's ultimate moral compromise, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, serves as a sobering warning against prioritizing personal convenience, political expediency, or public opinion over unwavering conviction and divine justice. We are called to be people of truth, not merely in our words, but in our actions, standing firm for what is right even when it is costly or unpopular.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be, like Pilate, turning away from truth because it is inconvenient or challenging?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my belief that Jesus Christ is "the truth"?**
* **What are the pressures in my own context that might tempt me to compromise moral conviction for personal or social expediency?**
* **How can I better embody and articulate the truth of Christ in a world that often dismisses or distorts it?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate ask "What is truth?" and then immediately leave without waiting for an answer?**

Answer: Pilate's question, "What is truth?", is often interpreted as a cynical or rhetorical query rather than a genuine philosophical inquiry. As a Roman governor, he was likely accustomed to political maneuvering, conflicting testimonies, and the fluid nature of "truth" in legal and political contexts. He had just heard Jesus speak of a kingdom not of this world and a purpose to bear witness to truth ([John 18:36-37](/john/18-36-37 "John 18:36-37 - Jesus' Kingdom and Purpose")). His immediate departure suggests that he had no interest in a theological or abstract discussion; his priority was to manage the volatile situation with the Jewish leaders and the crowd. He had already assessed Jesus as politically harmless ("I find in him no fault"), and his next move was to communicate this to the accusers, aiming to resolve the conflict quickly and maintain order. His turning away symbolizes the world's frequent disinterest in or rejection of divine truth when it conflicts with worldly power or convenience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 18:38 powerfully underscores the Christ-centered nature of truth itself. Pilate's cynical question, "What is truth?", is asked of the very One who is the embodiment and source of all truth. Jesus had previously declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), making it clear that truth is not merely a concept or a set of facts, but a Person. His entire life, ministry, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's truth to humanity. The irony of Pilate's question is profound: he stands before the living Truth, yet fails to recognize Him, choosing instead to turn away and engage in political maneuvering. This scene foreshadows the ultimate triumph of truth, as Jesus, though condemned by earthly powers, would be vindicated by God through His resurrection, proving the veracity of His claims and the reality of His kingdom. The truth that Pilate dismissed is the very truth that sets humanity free from sin and death ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")), a truth revealed through the cross and resurrection, which is the cornerstone of the Gospel message proclaimed by the apostles (e.g., [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus' Lordship and Messiahship")). In Christ, all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), making Him the ultimate fulfillment of all truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 19:4

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

John 19:6

When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify [him], crucify [him]. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify [him]: for I find no fault in him.

Luke 23:4

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and [to] the people, I find no fault in this man.

Acts 17:32

¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: