John 18:34
New International Version
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

New Living Translation
Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”

English Standard Version
Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered, "Do you say this of yourself, or did others say it to you concerning Me?"

King James Bible
Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

New King James Version
Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

New American Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you about Me?”

NASB 1995
Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?”

NASB 1977
Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Are you saying this from yourself, or did others tell you about Me?”

Amplified Bible
Jesus replied, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?”

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me?"”

American Standard Version
Jesus answered, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me?

Contemporary English Version
Jesus answered, "Are you asking this on your own or did someone tell you about me?"

English Revised Version
Jesus answered, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus replied, "Did you think of that yourself, or did others tell you about me?"

Good News Translation
Jesus answered, "Does this question come from you or have others told you about me?"

International Standard Version
Jesus replied, "Are you asking this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about me?"

Majority Standard Bible
?Are you saying this on your own,? Jesus asked, ?or did others tell you about Me??

NET Bible
Jesus replied, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or have others told you about me?"

New Heart English Bible
Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing from thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me?

Weymouth New Testament
"Do you say this of yourself, or have others told it you about me?" replied Jesus.

World English Bible
Jesus answered him, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jesus answered him, “Do you say this from yourself? Or did others say it to you about Me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered, "Do you say this of yourself, or did others say it to you concerning Me?"

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus answered him, 'From thyself dost thou say this? or did others say it to thee about me?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Jesus answered him, of thyself sayest thou this, or did others tell thee of me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of me?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus responded, “Are you saying this of yourself, or have others spoken to you about me?”

New American Bible
Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to him, Do you say this of yourself, or have others told it to you concerning me?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua said to him, “Have you said this of yourself, or have others spoken to you about me?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus answered him: Do you say this of yourself, or did others speak to you of me?

Godbey New Testament
Jesus responded, Do you speak this of yourself, or did others tell you concerning me?

Haweis New Testament
Jesus answered him, Dost thou speak this from thyself, or did others speak to thee concerning me?

Mace New Testament
Jesus answered him, is it your opinion that I am, or did others give it you as theirs?

Weymouth New Testament
"Do you say this of yourself, or have others told it you about me?" replied Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
Jesus answered, "Do you say this of yourself, or did others tell you concerning Me?"

Worsley New Testament
Jesus answered him, Dost thou say this from thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Before Pilate
33Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34“Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” 35“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”…

Cross References
John 7:16-17
“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. / If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.

John 8:14
Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going.

John 5:30
I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 12:49-50
I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

John 3:11
Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, and yet you people do not accept our testimony.

John 8:28
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.

John 10:25
“I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf.

John 14:10
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.

John 5:19
So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.

John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.

John 8:26
“I have much to say about you and much to judge. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.”

John 17:8
For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.

Matthew 26:63-64
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” / “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Mark 14:61-62
But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” / “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

Luke 22:67-70
“If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. / And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. / But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

Jesus answered him, Say you this thing of yourself, or did others tell it you of me?

Sayest.

John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Jump to Previous
Accord Idea Initiative Jesus Others Talk Thyself
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Accord Idea Initiative Jesus Others Talk Thyself
John 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.














“Are you saying this on your own,”
In this phrase, Jesus is responding to Pontius Pilate during His trial. The question challenges Pilate to consider the source of his inquiry. This reflects Jesus' awareness of the political and religious dynamics at play. Pilate, as the Roman governor, represents the secular authority, yet he is entangled in the religious accusations brought by the Jewish leaders. Jesus' question implies a deeper probing into Pilate's personal understanding versus the influence of external pressures. This moment highlights the tension between personal conviction and societal influence, a theme prevalent throughout the Gospels.

“Jesus asked,”
Jesus' role as the questioner here is significant. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often uses questions to reveal deeper truths and to challenge the hearts of those He encounters. This method of teaching and revealing truth is consistent with His approach in other interactions, such as with the Pharisees and His disciples. It demonstrates His authority and wisdom, as well as His ability to discern the intentions of others. This interaction with Pilate is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, showcasing Jesus' composure and insight even in the face of impending suffering.

“or did others tell you about Me?”
This part of the verse underscores the influence of the Jewish leaders in shaping Pilate's perception of Jesus. It reflects the broader theme of testimony and witness found throughout the Gospel of John. The Jewish authorities had accused Jesus of claiming to be a king, which they presented as a threat to Roman rule. Jesus' question points to the hearsay nature of the accusations and challenges the legitimacy of the charges against Him. This moment also connects to the theme of truth and false testimony, as seen in the trials of Jesus, and highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering servant who would be misunderstood and falsely accused.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is on trial before Pontius Pilate in this passage.

2. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea, who is questioning Jesus to determine the validity of the accusations against Him.

3. The Jewish Leaders
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the ones who brought Jesus to Pilate, accusing Him of claiming to be a king.

4. The Praetorium
The Roman governor's headquarters where Jesus is being questioned by Pilate.

5. The Trial of Jesus
This event is part of the larger account of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, a pivotal moment in Christian theology.
Teaching Points
Understanding Authority
Jesus' question to Pilate challenges the source of his information, prompting us to consider the sources of our beliefs and the authority we recognize in our lives.

The Nature of Truth
Jesus' interaction with Pilate invites reflection on the nature of truth and how it is perceived and understood by different people.

Courage in Witness
Jesus' calm and composed demeanor before Pilate serves as a model for Christians to stand firm in their faith, even under pressure.

Divine Purpose
The trial of Jesus, though unjust, was part of God's redemptive plan, reminding believers that God can work through difficult circumstances for His purposes.

Personal Reflection
Pilate's question to Jesus encourages personal reflection on our understanding of who Jesus is and how we have come to that understanding.(34) Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?--The most probable interpretation of the question is that which regards it as establishing a distinction between the title "King of the Jews" as spoken by Pilate and the same title as spoken by Jesus. In the political sense in which Pilate would use it, and in this sense only the claim could be brought against Him in Roman law, He was not King of the Jews. In the theocratic sense in which a Jew would use that title, He was King of the Jews.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“{Are} you
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

saying
λέγεις (legeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

this
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

on
Ἀπὸ (Apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

your own,”
σεαυτοῦ (seautou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4572: Of yourself.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

asked,
Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

{did} others
ἄλλοι (alloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

tell
εἶπόν (eipon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

you
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

about
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

Me?”
ἐμοῦ (emou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: John 18:34 Jesus answered him Do you say this (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 18:33
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