Bible Strands
Mark 15:2
So Pilate questioned 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 early in the morning after the Sanhedrin bound Him and handed Him over to the Roman governor. Jesus responds directly to Pilate’s inquiry about His royal identity.
The words — The Greek ἐπηρώτησεν (epērōtēsen) literally means “questioned,” marking Pilate’s formal interrogation. Jesus’ reply uses σὺ (su), “You yourself,” a restrained acknowledgment that places the definition of His kingship back on the questioner.
The thread — This exchange parallels Matthew 27:11 and echoes the Magi’s earlier inquiry in Matthew 2:2 about the newborn King of the Jews. It also aligns with 1 Timothy 6:13, which recalls Christ’s public confession before authorities.
Why it lands — The text records a direct exchange where Jesus neither denies nor expands Pilate’s political category, leaving the claim intact but undefined. It asks a reader to decide whether to accept the stated identity on its own terms rather than demanding a customized or politically convenient version.
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, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
Cross-references
- Matthew 2:2 asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
- 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.
- 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 15:18 And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!”
- Mark 15:26 And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.
- Mark 15:9 “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked.
- Mark 15:12 So Pilate asked them again, “What then do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?”
- Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”
- John 18:29 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”
- John 19:19 Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.