John 19:14

KJV

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it was {G2258} the preparation {G3904} of the passover {G3957}, and {G1161} about {G5616} the sixth {G1623} hour {G5610}: and {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto the Jews {G2453}, Behold {G2396} your {G5216} King {G935}!

Complete Jewish Bible

it was about noon on Preparation Day for Pesach. He said to the Judeans, “Here’s your king!”

Berean Standard Bible

It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!”

American Standard Version

Now it was the Preparation of the passover: it was about the sixth hour. And he saith unto the Jews, Behold, your King!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 19:14 presents a moment of profound theological and historical significance during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, just prior to His crucifixion. It precisely dates this pivotal event to the "preparation of the Passover" and "about the sixth hour," underscoring divine timing and the fulfillment of prophecy. In this scene, Pilate, in a final, ironic attempt to release Jesus, presents Him to the Jewish leaders with the declarative, yet deeply prophetic, statement, "Behold your King!" This moment encapsulates the world's rejection of its true sovereign and the paradoxical nature of Christ's kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, following a series of interrogations and Pilate's repeated attempts to release Jesus, finding no fault in Him (cf. [John 18:38](/john/18-38 "John 18:38 - Pilate Finds No Guilt")). The narrative builds from Pilate's initial presentation of Jesus, scourged and crowned with thorns, with the words "Behold the Man!" ([John 19:5](/john/19-5 "John 19:5 - Pilate Presents Jesus as 'The Man'")). Despite this evocative display, the Jewish leaders intensify their demands for crucifixion, invoking a charge of blasphemy based on Jesus' claim to be the Son of God ([John 19:7](/john/19-7 "John 19:7 - Jewish Leaders' Charge")). Pilate's fear and continued efforts to release Jesus culminate in this final, public presentation, where he declares, "Behold your King!", directly challenging the Jewish leaders on the very charge they brought against Jesus' kingship (cf. [John 18:33-37](/john/18-33-37 "John 18:33-37 - Jesus' Kingship Defined")). The verse immediately precedes the crowd's clamor for crucifixion and their shocking declaration, "We have no king but Caesar" ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'We Have No King But Caesar'")), leading to Jesus' delivery for crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "the preparation of the passover" is a crucial chronological marker. In Jewish custom, "Preparation Day" (Greek: _paraskeuē_) referred to the day before the Sabbath (Friday), when all necessary preparations for the Sabbath rest were completed. Here, it is specifically linked to the Passover, indicating it was the day before the Sabbath that coincided with the Passover feast. This means Jesus was condemned on Friday, the 14th of Nisan, the very day the Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple in preparation for the Passover meal that evening or the following day. This timing is profoundly significant, aligning Jesus' sacrifice with the ancient ritual of the Passover lamb, whose blood secured deliverance for Israel. The mention of "about the sixth hour" further refines the timing. While the Synoptic Gospels place the crucifixion itself at the third hour (9 AM), John's "sixth hour" is widely interpreted as Roman time, meaning midday (12:00 PM). This places Jesus' condemnation and public delivery to be crucified at the peak of the day, a highly public moment, and precisely when the first Passover lambs would be sacrificed in the Temple, underscoring Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb.
* **Key Themes:** John 19:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Kingship of Christ**, albeit in a paradoxical and ironic manner. Despite His humiliation, Pilate's declaration inadvertently proclaims a profound truth: Jesus is indeed King, though His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Secondly, the precise timing ("preparation of the Passover," "sixth hour") emphasizes **Divine Timing and Fulfillment**. Jesus' death was not a random event but occurred at the divinely appointed moment, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing Him as the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This links His sacrifice to the Passover, where the blood of the lamb secured liberation. Finally, the verse underscores the tragic theme of the **Rejection of the Messiah**. Despite Pilate's presentation, the Jewish leaders and the crowd vehemently reject their rightful King, culminating in their infamous cry, "We have no king but Caesar" ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'We Have No King But Caesar'")), a stark fulfillment of Jesus coming "to his own, and his own people did not receive him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Comes to His Own")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **preparation (Greek, _paraskeuḗ'_):** This term (G3904) signifies "readiness" or "preparation." In this context, it specifically refers to the day before the Sabbath (Friday), when all necessary provisions and tasks were completed in anticipation of the Sabbath rest. John's additional qualification, "of the Passover," makes it clear this was the Friday preceding the Passover festival, a day of intense activity for preparing both for the Sabbath and the sacred Passover meal and observances. This precise dating connects Jesus' crucifixion directly to the timing of the Passover lamb's sacrifice.
* **Passover (Greek, _páscha'_):** Derived from a Chaldean origin (G3957), this word refers to the Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It encompasses the meal, the day, the festival, and the special sacrifices associated with it. By linking Jesus' crucifixion to the "preparation of the Passover," John highlights Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings about a new and greater deliverance from sin and death.
* **Behold (Greek, _íde'_):** This is the second person singular imperative active of _eídō_ (G2396), used as an interjection to denote surprise or to draw attention. Pilate's command, "Behold," is an emphatic call to observation, forcing the Jewish leaders to look directly at Jesus. It is a moment of confrontation, demanding a response to the presented reality, whether they acknowledge it or not.
* **King (Greek, _basileús'_):** This term (G935) denotes a "sovereign," abstractly or figuratively. Pilate's use of "King" is deeply ironic, as he presents a scourged, humiliated man as "your King" to those who sought His death precisely because of His claim to kingship. Yet, in God's sovereign plan, this ironic declaration simultaneously proclaims a profound truth: Jesus is indeed the rightful, eternal King, even in His moment of apparent weakness and defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was the preparation of the passover":** This clause provides the precise chronological setting for Jesus' condemnation. It was Friday, the day of preparation for both the weekly Sabbath and, more significantly, the annual Passover feast. This detail is crucial for understanding the theological significance of Jesus' death as the ultimate Passover sacrifice.
* **"and about the sixth hour":** This specifies the time of day. Interpreted as Roman time, this means it was approximately noon. This timing places Jesus' public condemnation and delivery to be crucified in the full light of day, a highly public event, and notably, at the very hour when the Passover lambs would begin to be slaughtered in the Temple.
* **"and he saith unto the Jews":** This identifies the speaker, Pontius Pilate, and his audience, the Jewish leaders and the assembled crowd who had been demanding Jesus' crucifixion. This highlights the direct confrontation between Roman authority and Jewish religious leadership over the fate of Jesus.
* **"Behold your King!":** This is Pilate's climactic declaration. It is laden with **irony**, as he presents a humiliated, condemned man as "King" to those who reject Him. Yet, it is also a profound, albeit unwitting, **prophetic declaration** of Jesus' true identity and sovereign status. Pilate's words force the Jews to confront the reality of their rejection of their Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
John's Gospel masterfully employs several literary devices in [John 19:14](/john/19-14 "John 19:14 - Pilate Presents Jesus as King"). The most prominent is **Irony**. Pilate's declaration, "Behold your King!", is deeply ironic. He intends it as a sarcastic taunt to the Jewish leaders, mocking their rejection of a "king" who stands condemned and humiliated. Yet, from a divine perspective, it is a profound truth: Jesus is indeed their King, the Messiah, though they fail to recognize or accept Him. This **Dramatic Irony** is heightened by the reader's knowledge of Jesus' true identity, contrasting with the characters' ignorance or willful blindness. Furthermore, the precise timing of the "preparation of the passover" and the "sixth hour" serves as powerful **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. It symbolically links Jesus to the Passover lamb, whose sacrifice secures deliverance, and foreshadows His ultimate role as the Lamb of God. The public nature of the "sixth hour" also emphasizes the universal significance of this event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 19:14 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's kingship and the sovereignty of God. Despite the humiliation and apparent defeat, Pilate's declaration inadvertently proclaims the truth of Jesus' royal identity. His kingship is not of this world, not established by political power or military might, but by divine appointment and sacrificial love. This scene underscores God's meticulous timing, orchestrating the crucifixion to coincide with the Passover, thereby revealing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Covenant's sacrificial system. The rejection of Jesus as King by His own people highlights humanity's propensity to choose earthly power over divine truth, yet it also sets the stage for the universal reign of the crucified King, whose kingdom is established through His death and resurrection.

* [Matthew 27:11](/matthew/27-11 "Matthew 27:11 - Jesus Before Pilate")
* [1 Timothy 6:15](/1-timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - God, the Blessed and Only Sovereign")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 19:14 challenges us to consider who we truly acknowledge as King in our lives. Just as the Jewish leaders rejected their Messiah for an earthly ruler, we too can be tempted to prioritize worldly allegiances, personal desires, or cultural norms over the sovereign rule of Christ. This verse calls us to "behold our King" – to truly see Jesus not merely as a historical figure or a good teacher, but as the reigning Lord, whose authority transcends all earthly powers. His condemnation at the "preparation of the Passover" reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even in moments of profound suffering and injustice. We are invited to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that even the darkest hours are part of His redemptive purpose. True application involves surrendering our lives to His reign, allowing His paradoxical kingship—rooted in humility, sacrifice, and love—to transform our values and direct our paths, even when it means standing against the currents of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to reject Jesus' kingship, perhaps by prioritizing other allegiances or desires?**
* **How does the precise timing of Jesus' crucifixion (Passover, sixth hour) deepen my understanding of God's sovereign plan for salvation?**
* **What does it mean for me to "behold my King" in a world that often rejects or misunderstands His reign?**

### FAQ

**Why is the timing ("preparation of the Passover," "sixth hour") so important in John 19:14?**

Answer: The timing in [John 19:14](/john/19-14 "John 19:14 - The Timing of Jesus' Condemnation") is profoundly significant for several reasons. "The preparation of the Passover" means it was Friday, the day before the Sabbath, and specifically the day when the Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple for the Passover meal. This detail symbolically and theologically links Jesus directly to the Passover lamb, whose sacrifice secured deliverance for Israel from slavery in Egypt. Jesus becomes the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose blood brings deliverance from sin and death. The "sixth hour," interpreted as Roman time, places Jesus' condemnation at midday (12:00 PM). This not only highlights the public nature of His trial but also aligns it with the very hour when the first Passover lambs would be sacrificed, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' death was not an accident but a divinely orchestrated event of immense redemptive purpose.

**What is the significance of Pilate's declaration, "Behold your King!"?**

Answer: Pilate's declaration, "Behold your King!" in [John 19:14](/john/19-14 "John 19:14 - Pilate's Proclamation") is layered with irony and profound theological truth. On one level, Pilate intends it as a sarcastic taunt to the Jewish leaders. He presents Jesus, scourged and humiliated, as their "King," knowing they are rejecting Him and demanding His crucifixion. He is mocking their hypocrisy and the absurdity of their charge against Jesus, given Jesus' apparent powerlessness. However, on a deeper, divine level, Pilate's words are a prophetic, albeit unwitting, declaration of Jesus' true identity. Despite His outward appearance of defeat, Jesus is indeed the King, the Messiah. This moment forces the Jewish leaders to confront the reality of their rejection of their rightful sovereign, a tragic theme woven throughout [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel According to John"). Ultimately, Pilate's words serve as a divine proclamation of Christ's eternal kingship, even in the midst of His suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 19:14, with Pilate's ironic declaration "Behold your King!" and the precise timing of the "preparation of the Passover," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the true and eternal King, whose paradoxical reign is established through His sacrificial death. The "preparation of the Passover" points directly to Jesus as our [Passover Lamb](/1-corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"), whose blood inaugurates the new covenant and delivers us from the bondage of sin. Pilate's seemingly mocking title, "King," is revealed as the profound truth of Jesus' identity, not as an earthly monarch, but as the cosmic Lord. He is the one who, though "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), was subsequently "exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). The scene in [John 19](/john/19 "John 19 - The Crucifixion of Jesus") foreshadows the reality that the one rejected and crucified is the one who will return as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), whose kingdom is an "everlasting kingdom" ([2_peter/1-11](/2-peter/1-11 "2 Peter 1:11 - The Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, "Behold your King!" becomes a call to all humanity to recognize and bow before the crucified and risen Christ, who has delivered us from "the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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

Matthew 27:62

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

John 19:5

Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And [Pilate] saith unto them, Behold the man!

John 19:42

There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

Mark 15:25

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Mark 15:33

¶ And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Mark 15:34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Mark 15:42

¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,