Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. New Living Translation “Then take him away and judge him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone,” the Jewish leaders replied. English Standard Version Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” Berean Standard Bible “You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. Berean Literal Bible Therefore Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your Law." The Jews said to him, "It is not permitted to us to put anyone to death"-- King James Bible Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: New King James Version Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” New American Standard Bible So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” NASB 1995 So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death,” NASB 1977 Pilate therefore said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death,” Legacy Standard Bible So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” Amplified Bible Then Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your own law.” The Jews said, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” Christian Standard Bible Pilate told them, “You take him and judge him according to your law.” “It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,” the Jews declared. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Pilate told them, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your law."” It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,” the Jews declared. American Standard Version Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: Contemporary English Version Pilate told them, "Take him and judge him by your own laws." The crowd replied, "We are not allowed to put anyone to death." English Revised Version Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: GOD'S WORD® Translation Pilate told the Jews, "Take him, and try him by your law." The Jews answered him, "We're not allowed to execute anyone." Good News Translation Pilate said to them, "Then you yourselves take him and try him according to your own law." They replied, "We are not allowed to put anyone to death." ( International Standard Version Pilate told them, "You take him and try him according to your Law." The Jewish leaders told him, "It is not legal for us to put anyone to death." NET Bible Pilate told them, "Take him yourselves and pass judgment on him according to your own law!" The Jewish leaders replied, "We cannot legally put anyone to death." New Heart English Bible Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." Therefore the Jewish leaders said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death," Webster's Bible Translation Then said Pilate to them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said to him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: Weymouth New Testament "Take him yourselves," said Pilate, "and judge him by your Law." "We have no power," replied the Jews, "to put any man to death." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews then replied. World English Bible Pilate therefore said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is illegal for us to put anyone to death,” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionPilate, therefore, said to them, “Take Him—you—and judge Him according to your law”; the Jews, therefore, said to him, “It is not lawful to us to put anyone to death”; Berean Literal Bible Therefore Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your Law." The Jews said to him, "It is not permitted to us to put anyone to death"-- Young's Literal Translation Pilate, therefore, said to them, 'Take ye him -- ye -- and according to your law judge him;' the Jews, therefore, said to him, 'It is not lawful to us to put any one to death;' Smith's Literal Translation Then said Pilate to them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. Then said the Jews to him, It is not lawful for us to kill any one: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BiblePilate therefore said to them: Take him you, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said to him: It is not lawful for us to put any man to death; Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your own law.” Then the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to execute anyone.” New American Bible At this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” The Jews answered him, “We do not have the right to execute anyone,” New Revised Standard Version Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen said Pilate to them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your own law. The Jews said to him, We have no power to kill a man; Aramaic Bible in Plain English Pilate said to them, “Take him and judge him according to your law.” The Judeans were saying to him, “It is not permitted for us to kill a man”, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen Pilate said to them: Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. Then the Jews said to him: It is not lawful for us to put any one to death; Godbey New Testament Then Pilate said to them. You take Him, and judge Him according to your law. Then the Jews said to him, It is not lawful for us to kill any one. Haweis New Testament Pilate then said to them, Take him yourselves, and according to your own law judge him. The Jews then said to him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: Mace New Testament Pilate then said to them, take him your selves, and judge him according to your law, but the Jews said to him, it is not lawful for us to put any man to death. Weymouth New Testament "Take him yourselves," said Pilate, "and judge him by your Law." "We have no power," replied the Jews, "to put any man to death." Worrell New Testament Pilate, therefore, said to them, "Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to kill anyone:" Worsley New Testament Then said Pilate to them, Take Him, and judge Him according to your law. But the Jews said to him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Before Pilate…30“If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” 31“You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “ We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. 32This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.… Cross References Acts 25:18-20 But when his accusers rose to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. / They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive. / Since I was at a loss as to how to investigate these matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges. Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.” Luke 23:4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” Mark 15:14 “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” John 19:6-7 As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.” / “We have a law,” answered the Jews, “and according to that law He must die, because He declared Himself to be the Son of God.” Acts 18:15 But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.” Acts 23:29 I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment. Acts 26:31-32 On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Luke 23:14-15 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. Matthew 27:23 “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” Mark 15:13-14 And they shouted back, “Crucify Him!” / “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” John 19:12-16 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.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ... Acts 24:19-20 who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. / Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, Deuteronomy 17:8-12 If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. / You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. / You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you, ... Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. Treasury of Scripture Then said Pilate to them, Take you him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said to him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: Take. John 19:6,7 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him… Acts 25:18-20 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: … It. John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Ezekiel 21:26,27 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high… Jump to Previous Death Execute Jews Judge Judged Law Permitted Pilate Power Right YourselvesJump to Next Death Execute Jews Judge Judged Law Permitted Pilate Power Right YourselvesJohn 18 1. Judas betrays Jesus.6. The officers fall to the ground. 10. Peter cuts off Malchus' ear. 12. Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas. 15. Peter's denial. 19. Jesus examined before Caiaphas. 25. Peter's second and third denial. 28. Jesus arraigned before Pilate. 36. His kingdom. 40. The Jews prefer Barabbas. “You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. Pilate's statement reflects the Roman practice of allowing subject peoples to govern themselves in matters of their own laws and customs, as long as it did not conflict with Roman law. The Jewish leaders had their own legal system based on the Torah, which included religious and civil laws. However, under Roman occupation, their authority was limited, especially in capital cases. Pilate's reluctance to judge Jesus himself may indicate his awareness of the religious nature of the charges and his desire to avoid involvement in what he saw as an internal Jewish matter. This moment highlights the tension between Roman authority and Jewish autonomy, a recurring theme in the Gospels. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. Persons / Places / Events 1. Pontius PilateThe Roman governor of Judea, who played a crucial role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. He is depicted as a figure trying to navigate the political and social pressures of the time. 2. The Jewish Leaders Referring to the chief priests and Pharisees who brought Jesus to Pilate, seeking a death sentence that they could not legally carry out under Roman rule. 3. Jesus The central figure of the New Testament, whose trial and crucifixion are pivotal events in Christian theology. 4. Roman Law The legal system under which Judea was governed, which reserved the right of capital punishment to Roman authorities. 5. The Sanhedrin The Jewish council responsible for religious and some civil matters, which had limited power under Roman occupation. Teaching Points Understanding Authority and ResponsibilityPilate's interaction with the Jewish leaders highlights the tension between religious and secular authority. Christians are called to navigate these tensions with wisdom and integrity. The Role of Law in Justice The passage underscores the importance of legal systems and the potential for misuse. Believers are encouraged to advocate for justice and righteousness within their communities. The Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus' trial and crucifixion were foretold in Scripture, demonstrating God's sovereign plan. This encourages believers to trust in God's overarching purposes, even in difficult circumstances. The Nature of True Justice The trial of Jesus serves as a reminder that human justice systems are fallible. Christians are called to seek God's justice, which is perfect and impartial. Courage in the Face of Injustice Jesus' calm demeanor during His trial is an example for believers to remain steadfast and faithful when facing persecution or injustice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 18:31?2. How does John 18:31 demonstrate the limitations of Roman authority over Jewish law? 3. What does Pilate's response in John 18:31 reveal about his role in Jesus' trial? 4. How can John 18:31 help us understand the tension between justice and politics? 5. How does John 18:31 connect to Old Testament prophecies about Jesus' crucifixion? 6. How can we apply the lessons from John 18:31 to modern-day legal systems? 7. Why did Pilate tell the Jews to judge Jesus by their own law in John 18:31? 8. How does John 18:31 reflect the tension between Roman and Jewish authorities? 9. What does John 18:31 reveal about the limitations of Jewish legal authority under Roman rule? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 18? 11. Why do the Gospel accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion conflict with known Roman legal and execution procedures? 12. What led to Jesus's crucifixion? 13. How does the betrayal arrangement in Matthew 26:14–16 align historically with known practices of the Jewish leadership and Roman authorities of that era? 14. Who was Pontius Pilate in biblical history? What Does John 18:31 Mean You take HimPilate hands Jesus back to the Jewish leaders with a short, pointed command. • Earlier, they had dragged Jesus to the Roman governor’s praetorium because they wanted Rome’s backing (John 18:28). • Pilate now signals, “I find no grounds for a Roman charge” (Luke 23:4; John 18:38) and shifts the burden to them. • This moment fulfills Psalm 2:1-4, where earthly rulers conspire yet remain under God’s sovereign plan. and judge Him Pilate invites them to render a verdict themselves. • The Sanhedrin did have authority to try religious cases (Matthew 26:57; Acts 22:30). • They had already declared Jesus guilty of blasphemy (Mark 14:64), so Pilate’s offer exposes their reluctance to act without Roman power. • It also highlights Jesus’ earlier prophecy that His own nation would condemn Him (Mark 10:33). by your own law Pilate distinguishes between Roman civil law and Mosaic religious law. • The Jews claimed Jesus violated their Law by “making Himself equal with God” (John 5:18; 19:7). • Leviticus 24:16 prescribed death for blasphemy, yet the method there was stoning—quite different from crucifixion, which Jesus had foretold (John 3:14; 12:32). • God’s Word proves exact: even the governing structures in place serve to steer events toward the prophesied cross rather than a Jewish form of execution. Pilate told them The governor’s statement reveals both political maneuvering and personal indecision. • He tries to avoid offending either Rome or the influential Jewish leaders (Matthew 27:24). • John later records Pilate’s admission of limited authority: “You would have no power over Me if it were not given you from above” (John 19:11), underscoring divine control. “We are not permitted to execute anyone” The leaders respond by acknowledging their dependence on Rome for capital punishment. • Around A.D. 30 the Romans removed the Sanhedrin’s right to carry out death sentences, a change hinted at in Genesis 49:10’s prophecy that Israel’s scepter would depart before Messiah came. • Their reply sets up John 18:32: “This was to fulfill the word Jesus had spoken about the kind of death He was going to die.” • Ironically, by appealing to Roman law they secure the very crucifixion they desire yet cannot perform themselves (John 19:6). the Jews replied Their admission exposes their real motive—execution, not mere judgment. • Acts 13:27 notes that Jerusalem’s rulers fulfilled Scripture by condemning Jesus. • Their answer also uncovers their hypocrisy: though eager for death, they remain fastidious about technical legality (John 18:28, unwilling to enter Gentile quarters lest they be defiled). • God uses even their duplicity to move His redemptive plan forward (Acts 2:23). summary John 18:31 shows Pilate trying to sidestep responsibility while the Jewish leaders press for a Roman sentence they cannot lawfully impose themselves. Their dialogue underscores human scheming, political calculation, and legal restriction—yet above all it highlights God’s precise orchestration of events so that Jesus would die exactly as foretold, lifted up on a Roman cross for the salvation of the world. (31) Take ye him, and judge him according to your law.--Pilate takes them at their word. They claim the judicial right; let them exercise it. Their law gave them power to punish, but not the right of capital punishment. If they claim that the matter is wholly within their own power of judgment, then the sentence must also be limited to their own power. He can only execute a sentence which is pronounced by himself after formal trial.It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.--Their words admit that they did not possess the power of life and death, while they imply that they had sentenced Jesus to death. They verbally give up the power, but in reality claim it, and regard the procurator as their executioner. The Jews had lost this power since the time that Archelaus was deposed, and Judaea became a Roman province (A.D. 6 or 7). The Talmud speaks of the loss of this power forty years or more before the destruction of Jerusalem. (Comp. Lightfoot's Note here, and in Matthew 26:3.) On the stoning of Stephen, which was an illegal act, comp. Notes on Acts 7:57 et seq. Greek “You takeΛάβετε (Labete) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. Him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. judge κρίνατε (krinate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. Him αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. by κατὰ (kata) Preposition Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [own] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. law,” νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. Pilate Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman. told Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. them. αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “We are not permitted ἔξεστιν (exestin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible. to execute anyone,” ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. replied. Εἶπον (Eipon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. Links John 18:31 NIVJohn 18:31 NLT John 18:31 ESV John 18:31 NASB John 18:31 KJV John 18:31 BibleApps.com John 18:31 Biblia Paralela John 18:31 Chinese Bible John 18:31 French Bible John 18:31 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 18:31 Pilate therefore said to them Take him (Jhn Jo Jn) |
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