John 19:1

¶ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged [him].

Then {G5119} Pilate {G4091} therefore {G3767} took {G2983} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} scourged {G3146} him.

Pilate then took Yeshua and had him flogged.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged.

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

Context

John 19:1 opens a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, following Jesus' initial interrogation by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Despite Pilate's repeated declarations that he found no fault in Jesus (John 18:38, 19:4, 19:6), he succumbs to the immense pressure from the Jewish religious authorities and the crowd who were demanding Jesus' crucifixion. The act of scourging, a brutal Roman flogging, was often a prelude to crucifixion, intended either as a concession to appease the crowd or as a means to extract a confession, or simply as a horrific punishment.

Key Themes

  • Injustice and Suffering: This verse starkly highlights the profound injustice meted out to Jesus. Though innocent, He endures immense physical suffering through the scourging, a testament to the cruelty of His accusers and the weakness of Pilate.
  • Pilate's Compromise: Pilate's decision to scourge Jesus, despite finding Him innocent, reveals his moral cowardice and political expediency. He attempts to appease the crowd and avoid an uprising, rather than uphold justice.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The suffering of Jesus, including the scourging, aligns with Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering (e.g., Isaiah 53:5, which speaks of Him being "bruised for our iniquities").

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "scourged" translates the Greek verb phragellóō (φραγελλόω). This term refers to a particularly severe form of flogging administered by the Romans. The instrument used, a flagellum, was a whip with multiple leather thongs, often weighted with pieces of bone or metal, designed to tear the flesh. This punishment was exceptionally brutal, often leading to severe blood loss, exposure of muscle and bone, and sometimes even death. It was not merely a beating but a torturous ordeal.

Significance and Application

John 19:1 serves as a grim reminder of the immense cost of our redemption. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly subjected Himself to this agonizing torture, not because of any wrongdoing on His part, but as part of God's redemptive plan to bear the penalty for humanity's sins. His suffering here underscores the depth of His love and obedience to the Father's will. For believers today, this verse calls for a deeper appreciation of the sacrifice made for us, encouraging us to live lives worthy of such a great price, remembering that by His stripes we are healed.

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.

  • Isaiah 53:5

    But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  • Isaiah 50:6

    I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

  • Matthew 20:19

    And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [him]: and the third day he shall rise again.

  • Luke 23:16

    I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].

  • Luke 18:33

    And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

  • Mark 10:33

    [Saying], Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:

  • Mark 10:34

    And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

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