Bible Strands
Luke 23:3
So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Pilate questions Jesus during the trial, responding directly to the chief priests' accusations that Jesus subverts the nation and claims to be a king (Luke 23:2).
The words — The Greek ἠρώτησεν (ērōtēsen) denotes a formal inquiry, while σὺ (su) emphasizes the personal address "You yourself."
The thread — This exchange parallels the trial narrative in Mark 15:2, echoes Nathanael’s confession of Jesus as King in John 1:49, and aligns with Christ’s “good confession” charged in 1 Timothy 6:13.
Why it lands — The text records Pilate’s political question and Jesus’ restrained reply without editorializing, requiring the reader to weigh the contrast between earthly judicial claims and Jesus’ self-defined authority.
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 Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
Cross-references
- John 1:49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
- 1 Timothy 6:13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:
- Mark 15:2 So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
- Luke 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
- Luke 22:70 So they all asked, “Are You then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.”
- 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 15:18 And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!”
- Mark 15:32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” And even those who were crucified with Him berated Him.
- Luke 19:38 “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
- Luke 23:38 Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.