John 19:9

And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

And {G2532} went {G1525} again {G3825} into {G1519} the judgment hall {G4232}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto Jesus {G2424}, Whence {G4159} art {G1488} thou {G4771}? But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} gave {G1325} him {G846} no {G3756} answer {G612}.

He went back into the headquarters and asked Yeshua, “Where are you from?” But Yeshua didn’t answer.

and he went back into the Praetorium. “Where are You from?” he asked. But Jesus gave no answer.

and he entered into the Prætorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Commentary

John 19:9 KJV depicts a pivotal moment in the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. After hearing the Jewish leaders' escalating accusations, particularly that Jesus made himself the "Son of God" (John 19:7), Pilate re-enters the Praetorium, the judgment hall, with a profound and anxious question for Jesus: "Whence art thou?" Yet, in a striking turn, Jesus offers no reply.

Context

This verse immediately follows the Jewish leaders' declaration that according to their law, Jesus ought to die because He claimed to be the Son of God. This new accusation deeply troubled Pilate, who had previously found no fault in Jesus (John 18:38). His previous questioning revolved around Jesus' kingship and earthly authority (John 18:33-37). Now, the question "Whence art thou?" transcends mere geographical origin, delving into Jesus' true nature and divine source, indicating Pilate's growing fear of unknowingly condemning a divine being or incurring the wrath of the Roman gods.

Key Themes

  • Pilate's Fear and Curiosity: Pilate's inquiry reveals his internal struggle and apprehension. He is clearly unnerved by the "Son of God" claim, sensing a deeper, possibly supernatural, dimension to Jesus that goes beyond political rebellion. His question is born of a mixture of fear, bewilderment, and perhaps a desperate search for clarity.
  • Jesus' Divine Origin: The underlying implication of Pilate's question points to Jesus' true identity. While Pilate may have been thinking of a human origin or a divine one in a pagan sense, the question itself highlights the central truth of Jesus' heavenly source and pre-existence, a theme woven throughout the Gospel of John (John 8:14).
  • The Significance of Jesus' Silence: Jesus' refusal to answer Pilate's direct question is profoundly significant. It is not an evasion, but a deliberate act. This silence fulfills Old Testament prophecy concerning the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:7) and underscores that further words would not sway a heart that, despite its fears, was unwilling to truly embrace the truth or risk political standing.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Whence art thou?" translates the Greek Pothen ei su? (ποθεν ει συ;). While literally meaning "From where are you?", in this context, it carries a much deeper theological weight than a simple inquiry about one's hometown. It probes Jesus' ultimate source of being, His lineage, and His authority, especially in light of the "Son of God" accusation. Pilate is asking about Jesus' fundamental nature and origin, hinting at a supernatural or divine identity.

Practical Application

John 19:9 offers several lessons for believers today:

  • The Power of Silence: Sometimes, silence is more potent than words. Jesus' refusal to answer was not a sign of weakness but of divine authority and purpose, demonstrating that not every question deserves an answer, especially when the inquirer is not genuinely seeking truth.
  • Responding to Authority: Jesus, though innocent and divine, submitted to the earthly judicial process, teaching us about humility and obedience to governing authorities, even when they are flawed.
  • Truth and Conviction: Pilate's fear and indecision highlight the struggle many face when confronted with divine truth. Understanding Jesus' true identity demands a response, and often, that response comes with a cost. This verse challenges us to consider our own conviction when faced with the claims of Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 18:33

    Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

  • Matthew 26:63

    But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

  • Philippians 1:28

    And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

  • John 8:14

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, [yet] my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

  • Matthew 27:12

    And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

  • Matthew 27:14

    And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

  • Mark 15:3

    And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
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