John 18:35
New International Version
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

New Living Translation
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

English Standard Version
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”

Berean Literal Bible
Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your nation and the chief priests delivered You to me. What have You done?"

King James Bible
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

New King James Version
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

New American Standard Bible
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me; what have You done?”

NASB 1995
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?”

NASB 1977
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You up to me; what have You done?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what did You do?”

Amplified Bible
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and their chief priests have handed You over to me. What have You done [that is worthy of death]?”

Christian Standard Bible
“I’m not a Jew, am I? ” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I’m not a Jew, am I?” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”

American Standard Version
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

Contemporary English Version
"You know I'm not a Jew!" Pilate said. "Your own people and the chief priests brought you to me. What have you done?"

English Revised Version
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own people and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?"

Good News Translation
Pilate replied, "Do you think I am a Jew? It was your own people and the chief priests who handed you over to me. What have you done?"

International Standard Version
Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? It is your own nation and high priests who have handed you over to me. What have you done?"

Majority Standard Bible
?Am I a Jew?? Pilate replied. ?Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done??

NET Bible
Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and your chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?"

New Heart English Bible
Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thy own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered thee to me: What hast thou done?

Weymouth New Testament
"Am I a Jew?" exclaimed Pilate; "it is your own nation and the High Priests who have handed you over to me. What have you done?"

World English Bible
Pilate answered, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your nation and the chief priests delivered You up to me; what did You do?”

Berean Literal Bible
Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your nation and the chief priests delivered You to me. What have You done?"

Young's Literal Translation
Pilate answered, 'Am I a Jew? thy nation, and the chief priests did deliver thee up to me; what didst thou?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Pilate answered, Much less am I a Jew; thy nation and the chief priests have delivered thee to me: What didst thou?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered thee up to me: what hast thou done?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Pilate responded: “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the high priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”

New American Bible
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

New Revised Standard Version
Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Pilate said to him, Why, am I a Jew? Your own people and the high priests have delivered you to me; what have you done?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Pilate said to him, “Am I a Judean? The people of your nation and The High Priests have delivered you to me. What have you done?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Your own nation, and the chief priests have delivered you to me; what have you done?

Godbey New Testament
Pilate responded, Whether am I a Jew? thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee to me: what hast thou done?

Haweis New Testament
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thy own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee to me: what hast thou done?

Mace New Testament
Pilate answered, am I a Jew? your own nation, and the chief priests have delivered thee up to me: what hast thou done?

Weymouth New Testament
"Am I a Jew?" exclaimed Pilate; "it is your own nation and the High Priests who have handed you over to me. What have you done?"

Worrell New Testament
Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Thy own nation, and the high priests delivered Thee up to me: what didst Thou do?"

Worsley New Testament
Pilate replied, Am I a Jew? thine own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered thee to me: what hast thou done?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Before Pilate
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?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”…

Cross References
John 19:10-11
So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Matthew 27:11-14
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” ...

Mark 15:2-5
So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. / Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” ...

Luke 23:1-4
Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. / 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.” / So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. ...

Acts 4:27-28
In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

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:

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Psalm 2:1-2
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:

Daniel 7:13-14
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Matthew 26:59-66
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” ...

Mark 14:55-64
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ...

Luke 22:66-71
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said, / “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. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you to me: what have you done?

Am I.

Ezra 4:12
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.

Nehemiah 4:2
And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

Acts 18:14-16
And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: …

Thine.

John 18:28
Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

John 19:11
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Acts 3:13
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

what.

John 19:6
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 21:38
Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

Acts 22:22-24
And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live…

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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.














“Am I a Jew?”
This question posed by Pilate highlights the cultural and religious divide between him, a Roman governor, and Jesus, a Jewish teacher. Pilate's rhetorical question underscores his detachment from Jewish customs and religious disputes. It reflects the Roman perspective of viewing Jewish matters as foreign and somewhat perplexing. This question also indicates Pilate's frustration and confusion about being involved in what he perceives as an internal Jewish issue. Historically, Roman officials often found themselves entangled in local religious matters, which they preferred to avoid unless it threatened Roman peace or authority.

Pilate replied.
Pilate's response is significant as it shows his active engagement in the trial. As the Roman governor, Pilate held the power to judge and execute, yet he seems reluctant and seeks to understand the situation. His involvement is crucial in the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the manner of Jesus' death, as crucifixion was a Roman method of execution, not Jewish. Pilate's role in the trial of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, illustrating the intersection of divine prophecy and human governance.

“Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me.”
This phrase highlights the betrayal and rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders and people. It fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who is despised and rejected by men. The chief priests, representing the religious authority of Israel, handing Jesus over to a Gentile authority, signifies a profound rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. This act also fulfills Jesus' own predictions about His suffering and death at the hands of the Jewish leaders (Matthew 20:18-19). The involvement of the chief priests underscores the religious leaders' fear of losing their power and influence, as Jesus' teachings challenged their authority.

What have You done?”
Pilate's question seeks to uncover the reason behind the accusations against Jesus. It reflects his attempt to understand the charges brought by the Jewish leaders, which were likely framed in terms of political insurrection to gain Roman attention. This question also invites Jesus to explain His mission and actions, providing an opportunity for Jesus to testify to the truth of His kingdom. In the broader biblical narrative, this moment is a fulfillment of Jesus' mission to bear witness to the truth, as He later states in John 18:37. Pilate's inquiry, though politically motivated, opens the door for a deeper revelation of Jesus' identity and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He is a central figure in the Passion account, representing Roman authority and the political power of the time.

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, who is on trial before Pilate. His response to Pilate's questioning is crucial in understanding His mission and identity.

3. The Jewish Leaders
Refers to the chief priests and other Jewish authorities who handed Jesus over to Pilate. They play a significant role in the events leading to the crucifixion.

4. The Roman Praetorium
The place where Jesus was taken for trial before Pilate. It symbolizes the intersection of Jewish and Roman legal systems.

5. The Trial of Jesus
A pivotal event in the Passion account, highlighting the tension between Jesus' divine mission and earthly authorities.
Teaching Points
Understanding Authority
Pilate's question reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' kingship. Believers are called to recognize the true authority of Christ, which transcends earthly power.

Responsibility and Accountability
Pilate's role in Jesus' trial highlights the importance of moral responsibility. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions, even when faced with societal pressures.

Divine Sovereignty
Despite human actions, God's plan prevails. This teaches believers to trust in God's sovereignty, even in challenging circumstances.

Cultural and Religious Identity
Pilate's question, "Am I a Jew?" underscores the tension between cultural identity and spiritual truth. Christians are reminded to prioritize their identity in Christ over cultural affiliations.

The Role of Conscience
Pilate's interaction with Jesus invites reflection on the role of conscience in decision-making. Believers are encouraged to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in discerning right from wrong.(35) Pilate answered, Am I a Jew?--His question would say, "You surely do not suppose that I am a Jew?" The procurator's Roman pride is fired at the very thought. He was the governor of the subject race. What did He know, or care to know, of their subtleties and distinctions?

Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me.-" So far from the question coming from me," his words mean, "It is thine own nation, and especially the chief priests, who have delivered Thee unto me." And then, weary of the technicalities with which a Roman trial had nothing to do, he asks the definite question, "What hast Thou done?"

Verse 35. - Pilate answered, with the proud and haughty tone of a Roman military judge or procurator, Am I a Jew? The ἐγώ is very emphatic, and the force of the question requires a negative. You know that it would be insult to me to make such a supposition. The nation that is thine, not mine, and the chief priests, delivered thee to me. An unequivocal statement that he had no reason of his own to assume that Jesus was a political aspirant. Whatever inner reasons these Jews had to malign Jesus and confuse Pilate's mind with the ambiguity of the title, the governor is innocent as yet of any such theocratic or religious meaning in the charge. More than this, the humiliation of the Divine Lord of men, the King of Israel, is grievously aggravated by the very use of the word. "Thy own nation has delivered thee up, has betrayed thee to me." The crime of Judas has been adopted by the religious authorities and the patriotic leaders of the people. "He came unto his own, and his own people received him not." Christ frequently anticipated this result of his ministry; and he regarded it as the climax of his indignity (see especially Luke 9:44; and cf. the language of St. Peter, Acts 3:13), that the anointed King should by his own people be "delivered" up to lawless Gentile hands to be crucified and slain. Pilate assures him that, if he is now in his hands, the cause of it is simply that his own people had utterly repudiated his claims, whatever they may have been. What didst thou do to transform into thy bitter enemies those who would naturally condone or favor any such claim as that of being a seditious rival to the Roman Caesar?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

a Jew?”
Ἰουδαῖός (Ioudaios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

Pilate
Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.

replied.
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.

“Your
σὸν (son)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Neuter 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4674: Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine.

[own]
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people
ἔθνος (ethnos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

chief priests
ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

handed
παρέδωκάν (paredōkan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

You
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

{over} to me.
ἐμοί (emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

What
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

have You done?”
ἐποίησας (epoiēsas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.


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NT Gospels: John 18:35 Pilate answered I'm not a Jew (Jhn Jo Jn)
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