John 18:38

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].

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.

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.

“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.

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 on John 18:38 (KJV)

In John 18:38, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, famously asks Jesus, "What is truth?" This pivotal moment occurs during Jesus' trial, immediately after Jesus declares His purpose is to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37). Pilate's question, followed by his immediate departure to address the demanding crowd, highlights a profound and timeless human dilemma regarding the nature of truth.

Historical and Cultural Context

This scene unfolds within the Roman Praetorium, the governor's headquarters in Jerusalem, shortly before the Passover feast. Pilate, a pragmatic Roman official, likely viewed "truth" as a fluid concept, perhaps even cynical about its absolute nature, especially in the context of political expediency and maintaining order in a volatile province. The Jewish leaders, driven by religious and political animosity, had brought Jesus to Pilate, accusing Him of sedition against Caesar. Pilate's immediate declaration of Jesus' innocence to the Jews upon leaving the inner chamber ("I find in him no fault") underscores his initial assessment that Jesus posed no real threat to Roman authority, setting the stage for his subsequent moral compromise.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Elusive Nature of Truth: Pilate's question, "What is truth?", can be interpreted in several ways: as a cynical dismissal, a rhetorical question reflecting weariness with abstract concepts, or a genuine but fleeting moment of philosophical inquiry. Regardless, he does not wait for an answer, demonstrating a lack of true interest in divine truth.
  • Jesus as the Embodiment of Truth: Unbeknownst to Pilate, he was standing before the very embodiment of truth. Jesus had previously declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." His life, teachings, and mission were a perfect revelation of God's reality and will.
  • Pilate's Moral Cowardice: Despite declaring Jesus innocent multiple times (Luke 23:4, Luke 23:14, Luke 23:22), Pilate ultimately capitulated to the demands of the crowd and the Jewish leaders, choosing political expediency over justice. His declaration of "no fault" serves as a powerful testimony to Jesus' blamelessness, even from an earthly authority.
  • The World's Rejection of Divine Truth: Pilate's immediate departure after asking about truth symbolizes humanity's frequent tendency to turn away from or ignore profound spiritual realities, especially when they challenge personal comfort or worldly power.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "truth" is alētheia (ἀλήθεια), which carries the connotation of reality, genuineness, sincerity, and divine revelation. It stands in contrast to falsehood, illusion, or deception. Pilate's question, "Τί ἐστιν ἀλήθεια;" (Ti estin alētheia?), is blunt and direct, reflecting a Roman mindset that might prioritize facts and pragmatism over abstract philosophical or spiritual concepts.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to consider our own relationship with truth. Do we, like Pilate, ask profound questions only to immediately turn away from the answer? In a world grappling with subjective truths and "alternative facts," the Christian faith posits that truth is not merely a concept but a person, Jesus Christ. Embracing Him means embracing absolute truth that brings freedom and life. Pilate's compromise also serves as a stark warning about the dangers of prioritizing personal convenience or public opinion over moral conviction and divine justice.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back