Luke 23:3

KJV

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Pilate {G4091} asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Art {G1488} thou {G4771} the King {G935} of the Jews {G2453}? And {G1161} he answered {G611} him {G846} and said {G5346}, Thou {G4771} sayest {G3004} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” And he answered him, “The words are yours.”

Berean Standard Bible

So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

American Standard Version

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:3 captures the succinct yet profound exchange between Pontius Pilate and Jesus during His trial, where Pilate directly confronts Jesus with the political charge, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" Jesus' enigmatic and affirming reply, "Thou sayest [it]," simultaneously acknowledges the truth of His kingship while subtly redefining its nature, setting the stage for the Roman governor's complex dilemma and highlighting the spiritual essence of Christ's reign amidst earthly accusations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Luke's narrative of Jesus' passion. Immediately preceding it, [Luke 23:1-2](/luke/23-1-2 "Luke 23:1-2 - Jesus Brought Before Pilate") describes the entire multitude of Jewish leaders bringing Jesus before Pilate and leveling specific accusations: subverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ a King. Pilate's question in [Luke 23:3](/luke/23-3 "Luke 23:3 - Pilate Questions Jesus") is a direct response to these charges, particularly the one concerning kingship, which was the most politically volatile in the eyes of Rome. Following Jesus' answer, Pilate declares in [Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault in Jesus") that he finds no fault in Jesus, initiating a series of attempts to release Him, demonstrating Pilate's initial assessment that Jesus posed no genuine political threat. The brevity of this exchange in Luke contrasts with the more extended dialogue in [John 18:33-38](/john/18-33-38 "John 18:33-38 - Jesus' Kingship Defined"), yet both underscore the central issue of Jesus' identity and the nature of His kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jesus' trial, Judea was a Roman province governed by Pontius Pilate (26-36 AD). Roman governors were responsible for maintaining peace, collecting taxes, and administering justice, with a particular sensitivity to any claims of kingship that might threaten the Emperor's authority. The Jewish leaders, having condemned Jesus for blasphemy (claiming to be the Son of God, [Luke 22:70-71](/luke/22-70-71 "Luke 22:70-71 - Jesus' Affirmation to the Sanhedrin")), brought Him to Pilate because they lacked the authority to carry out a death sentence under Roman law. They shrewdly reframed their religious charge into a political one, knowing that Pilate would take seriously any accusation of sedition against Rome. The title "King of the Jews" carried immense political weight, as it evoked the long-held Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would liberate them from foreign rule and establish an earthly kingdom, a concept that Rome would view as rebellion. Pilate's inquiry, therefore, was not merely theological but a pragmatic investigation into a potential insurrectionist.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the nature of Jesus' kingship**, contrasting the worldly, political understanding of a king with Jesus' spiritual and eternal reign. Jesus' kingdom is "not of this world," as He clarifies in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), yet it is a true and sovereign kingship. Secondly, it underscores **the clash between divine truth and human power**. Pilate, representing the pinnacle of Roman authority, attempts to grasp a truth that transcends his earthly jurisdiction. Jesus, though seemingly powerless, maintains ultimate authority and control over the unfolding events, demonstrating **divine sovereignty** even in the face of an unjust trial. Finally, it foreshadows the **Messianic identity** of Jesus, affirming His claim to be the promised King, albeit one whose throne is established not by worldly conquest but by sacrificial love and resurrection power, as seen throughout [the Gospel of Luke](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This verb signifies to "ask for," "inquire," or "seek." Pilate's use of this word indicates a direct, formal inquiry, seeking a clear answer to a specific charge. It's not a casual question but a judicial one, aimed at determining Jesus' guilt or innocence regarding the accusation of sedition. The intensity of the situation is captured in Pilate's need for a definitive response.
* **King (Greek, _basileús'_):** This term refers to a sovereign, a ruler, or one who holds power. In the context of Judea, it carried strong Messianic connotations for the Jews, referring to the promised descendant of David who would restore Israel's kingdom. For the Romans, however, any claim to kingship other than Caesar's was an act of rebellion. Pilate's question, therefore, is loaded with political implications, aiming to ascertain if Jesus' claim was a direct challenge to Roman imperial authority.
* **sayest (Greek, _légō'_):** While this primary verb generally means "to lay forth" or "relate in words," in Jesus' response, "Thou sayest," it functions as an idiomatic affirmation. It is more than a simple "yes"; it acknowledges the truth of Pilate's statement while often implying a nuance or a different understanding than the questioner's premise. It confirms the reality of Jesus' kingship but subtly refutes the worldly, political interpretation Pilate might have had.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews?":** This clause reveals Pilate's direct engagement with the core accusation brought against Jesus by the Jewish leaders. His question is sharp and to the point, cutting through any religious or theological nuances to address the most pressing political concern: whether Jesus claimed a throne that would challenge Caesar's rule. For Pilate, this was a matter of Roman law and order, a potential threat to the stability of the province. The question is posed as a direct challenge, demanding a clear confession or denial.
* **"And he answered him and said, Thou sayest [it].":** Jesus' response is remarkably concise and profound. In the Greek and Aramaic idioms of the time, "Thou sayest" (or "You say so") was a common way to affirm a statement, meaning "Yes, it is as you say" or "You are correct." However, it often carried an implicit qualification that the truth was indeed as stated, but not necessarily in the way the questioner understood it. Jesus affirms His identity as King, but by using this nuanced phrase, He avoids endorsing Pilate's worldly, political framework for that kingship, redirecting the focus to a deeper, spiritual reality that Pilate, at this point, could not fully grasp.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in Luke 23:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Interrogation** is central, as Pilate's direct question serves to highlight the core conflict of the trial – the nature of Jesus' identity and authority. This is immediately followed by a profound **Understatement** or **Affirmation with Nuance** in Jesus' reply, "Thou sayest [it]." This seemingly simple phrase carries immense weight, affirming His kingship without directly assenting to Pilate's politically charged interpretation. It is a masterful display of **Conciseness**, where profound theological truth is conveyed in minimal words, forcing the listener (and reader) to ponder the deeper implications. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** at play: Pilate, representing the most powerful earthly empire, unwittingly questions the true King of the universe, whose kingdom is not of this world, yet whose authority far surpasses any earthly dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:3 stands as a pivotal moment, underscoring the fundamental difference between the world's understanding of power and the divine reality of Christ's kingdom. Pilate's question, rooted in earthly political concerns, collides with Jesus' response, which affirms a kingship that transcends all human definitions and limitations. This exchange reveals that Jesus' reign is not established through military might or political overthrow, but through truth, suffering, and ultimately, resurrection. It challenges believers to recognize that their ultimate allegiance belongs to a King whose authority is spiritual and eternal, not bound by the fleeting powers of this age. This truth is foundational to understanding the nature of the church and the mission of believers in the world, called to bear witness to a kingdom that is "not of this world," yet profoundly impacts it.

* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")
* [1 Timothy 6:13](/1_timothy/6-13 "1 Timothy 6:13 - Jesus' Good Confession before Pilate")
* [Matthew 27:11](/matthew/27-11 "Matthew 27:11 - Jesus' Confession to Pilate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:3 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging our perceptions of power, truth, and allegiance. Jesus' calm and controlled response in the face of an unjust accusation demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereign plan, even when facing the ultimate earthly injustice. For us, this means understanding that our identity and security are not derived from worldly status or political systems, but from our relationship with Christ, the true King. We are called to live as citizens of His eternal kingdom, allowing His values to shape our worldview and actions, even when they conflict with prevailing cultural norms. This verse also encourages us to speak truth with wisdom and discernment, much like Jesus, who affirmed His identity without being drawn into a futile political debate. Our witness for Christ should be clear, yet often nuanced, recognizing that the world may not fully grasp the spiritual realities we proclaim. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that Christ's reign is absolute, transcending all earthly powers, and our ultimate hope and allegiance rest in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like Pilate, tend to define Christ's kingship or God's power in purely earthly or political terms?**
* **How can I better align my life and priorities with the values of Christ's spiritual kingdom, rather than conforming to the systems of this world?**
* **What does Jesus' "Thou sayest [it]" response teach me about speaking truth wisely and discerningly, especially when facing misunderstanding or opposition?**

### FAQ

**What did Jesus mean by "Thou sayest it" in response to Pilate's question?**

Answer: In the context of ancient Greek and Aramaic idioms, "Thou sayest it" (Greek: `σὺ λέγεις`, _sy legeis_) was a common and emphatic way to affirm a statement. It was equivalent to saying, "Yes, it is as you say," or "You are correct." However, it often carried a nuance, implying that while the statement was true, the questioner's understanding or premise might be incomplete or misconstrued. In Jesus' case, it was an affirmation of His kingship, but it subtly distinguished His spiritual, divine reign from the earthly, political kingship Pilate was concerned about. It affirmed the truth of His identity without validating Pilate's worldly interpretation of that truth, as further elaborated in [John 18:36-37](/john/18-36-37 "John 18:36-37 - Jesus' Kingdom Defined as Truth").

**Why was Jesus accused of being "King of the Jews" if His kingdom was not of this world?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders, having condemned Jesus for blasphemy (claiming to be God's Son), needed a charge that would compel the Roman governor, Pilate, to act. Under Roman occupation, claiming to be a king was a direct challenge to Caesar's authority and constituted sedition, a capital offense. While Jesus' kingship was indeed spiritual and eternal, not earthly or political, the Jewish leaders deliberately framed their accusation in a way that would be politically threatening to Rome. They knew that Pilate would be wary of any potential uprising or challenge to Roman rule, making the "King of the Jews" accusation the most effective means to secure a death sentence, despite Jesus' own clarification that His kingdom was not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:3, though brief, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus' kingship. Pilate's question, "Art thou the King of the Jews?", though intended as a political accusation, unwittingly pronounces a profound theological truth that would soon be demonstrated on the cross. Jesus' nuanced affirmation, "Thou sayest [it]," subtly acknowledges His royal identity while redirecting the understanding of His kingdom from earthly dominion to a spiritual reign established through sacrifice. This is the Christ-centered fulfillment: the King of the Jews, the Messiah, does not ascend to an earthly throne through conquest, but to a cosmic throne through suffering, death, and resurrection. His crucifixion, marked by the sign "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" ([Luke 23:38](/luke/23-38 "Luke 23:38 - The Inscription on the Cross")), becomes the very means by which He exercises His sovereign power over sin and death. His resurrection then definitively establishes Him as Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")), the true King of kings and Lord of lords, to whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the seemingly simple exchange before Pilate is a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of redemption, revealing the King who reigns not from a palace, but from a cross, and whose kingdom is eternal.

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 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

1 Timothy 6:13

¶ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and [before] Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

Luke 22:70

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Mark 15:2

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest [it].

John 19:3

And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.