Bible Strands
John 18:33
Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Pilate reenters the Praetorium and summons Jesus to ask him directly, “Are You the King of the Jews?” This interrogation occurs immediately after Jesus foretold his manner of death and before Jesus replies to the governor.
The words — πραιτώριον (praitōrion) refers to the Roman military headquarters or official residence where the governor conducts proceedings. πάλιν (palin) signals Pilate’s return to that specific location after his previous movement.
The thread — The identical question appears in Luke 23:3 and Matthew 27:11 during the parallel trial narratives. The title “King of the Jews” connects to Zechariah 9:9, which announces a righteous king entering Jerusalem.
Why it lands — The text places a Roman magistrate in direct confrontation with a prisoner over the definition of Jesus’ authority. It demands the reader evaluate the contrast between political power and the actual nature of the claimed kingship.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Cross-references
- Luke 23:3 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
- Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
- Matthew 27:11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
- Mark 15:2 So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
- Luke 19:38 “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
- John 12:13 They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”
- John 18:37 “Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”
- John 19:3 And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.
- John 19:12 From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”
- Acts 2:34 For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand