Bible Strands
John 19:3
And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Roman soldiers approach Jesus repeatedly after placing a crown of thorns and purple robe on Him (John 19:2). They address Him with mock reverence while striking His face.
The words — χαῖρε (chaire) translates literally to "Hail!" and functions as a standard formal greeting. ἔλεγον (elegon) indicates the soldiers were continuously repeating this phrase.
The thread — The soldiers' mock greeting parallels the formal "Greetings" used by Judas in Matthew 26:49 and the angel's greeting to Mary in Luke 1:28. The mocking crown and robe also echo the crown of thorns described in Matthew 27:29.
Why it lands — The text records soldiers verbally mocking Jesus's claimed kingship while physically striking Him. A reader must confront how authorities use mockery to assert dominance over a condemned figure.
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
And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
Cross-references
- Matthew 27:29 And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
- Matthew 26:49 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
- Luke 1:28 The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
- John 18:33 Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
- John 19:19 Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
- John 18:22 When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?”