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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 18:38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, "I find no basis for a charge against Him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/18-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/43_Jhn_18_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 18:38 - Jesus Before Pilate" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What is truth? Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, I find no basis for a charge against Him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/18-38.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/18-38.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 38</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/18-37.htm" title="John 18:37">◄</a> John 18:38 <a href="/john/18-39.htm" title="John 18:39">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/18.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220What is truth?&#8221 retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, &#8220I find no basis for a charge against him. <a href="/nlt/john/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. <a href="/esv/john/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. <a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him. <a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Pilate says to Him, "What is truth?" And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and says to them, "I find no guilt in Him. <a href="/kjv/john/18.htm">King James Bible</a> Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. <a href="/nkjv/john/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. <a href="/nasb_/john/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And after saying this, he came out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no grounds at all for charges in His case. <a href="/nasb/john/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Pilate said to Him, &#8220What is truth?&#8221 And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, &#8220I find no guilt in Him. <a href="/nasb77/john/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. <a href="/lsb/john/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. <a href="/amp/john/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Pilate said to Him [scornfully], “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no guilt in Him [no crime, no cause for an accusation]. <a href="/csb/john/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “What is truth? ” said Pilate. After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no grounds for charging him. <a href="/hcsb/john/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> What is truth?&#8221 said Pilate. After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, &#8220I find no grounds for charging Him. <a href="/asv/john/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him. <a href="/cev/john/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" Pilate went back out and said, "I don't find this man guilty of anything! <a href="/erv/john/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him. <a href="/gwt/john/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" After Pilate said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, "I don't find this man guilty of anything. <a href="/gnt/john/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> "And what is truth?" Pilate asked. Then Pilate went back outside to the people and said to them, "I cannot find any reason to condemn him. <a href="/isv/john/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Pilate asked him, "What is 'truth'?" and then he went out to the Jewish leaders again and told them, "I find no basis for a charge against him. <a href="/msb/john/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?What is truth?? Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, ?I find no basis for a charge against Him. <a href="/net/john/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Pilate asked, "What is truth?" When he had said this he went back outside to the Jewish leaders and announced, "I find no basis for an accusation against him. <a href="/nheb/john/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jewish leaders, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against him. <a href="/wbt/john/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Pilate saith to him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and saith to them, I find in him no fault. <a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "What is truth?" said Pilate. But no sooner had he spoken the words than he went out again to the Jews and told them, "I find no crime in him. <a href="/web/john/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no basis for a charge against him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Pilate says to Him, “What is truth?” And having said this, again he went forth to the Jews and says to them, “I find no fault in Him; <a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Pilate says to Him, "What is truth?" And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and says to them, "I find no guilt in Him. <a href="/ylt/john/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Pilate saith to him, 'What is truth?' and this having said, again he went forth unto the Jews, and saith to them, 'I do find no fault in him; <a href="/slt/john/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Pilate says to him, What is truth? And having said this, again went he out to the Jews, and says to them, I find no fault in him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Pilate saith to him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews, and saith to them: I find no cause in him. <a href="/cpdv/john/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and he said to them, “I find no case against him. <a href="/nabre/john/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him. <a href="/nrsvce/john/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Pilate said to him, What is this truth? And as he said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I am unable to find even one cause against him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Pilate said to him, “What is the truth?” And when he had said this he went out again to the Judeans and he said to them, “I find not even one fault in him.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Pilate said to him: What is truth?<CM>And when he had said this, he again came out to the Jews, and said to them: I find no fault in him. <a href="/godbey/john/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Pilate says to Him, What is truth? And saying this, again he went out to the Jews, and speaks to them, I find no crime in Him. <a href="/haweis/john/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And having thus spoken, he went out again unto the Jews and saith to them, I find no fault in him. <a href="/mace/john/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> what is truth? said Pilate, and upon saying this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I don't find he is guilty of any crime. <a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "What is truth?" said Pilate. But no sooner had he spoken the words than he went out again to the Jews and told them, "I find no crime in him. <a href="/worrell/john/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Pilate says to Him, "What is truth?" And, having said this, he went out again to the Jews, and says to them, "I find no crime in Him. <a href="/worsley/john/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Pilate saith unto Him, What is truth? And as soon as he had spoke, he went out again to the Jews, <a href="/parallel/john/18-38.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=6567" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Jesus Before Pilate</a> …37“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” 38<a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“What</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheia (N-NFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth?”</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4091.htm" title="4091: Pilatos (N-NMS) -- Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.">Pilate</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">asked.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipōn (V-APA-NMS) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">having said</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this,</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">he went out</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">again</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaious (Adj-AMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">told</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: Egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">“I</a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heuriskō (V-PIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">find</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudemian (Adj-AFS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">no</a> <a href="/greek/156.htm" title="156: aitian (N-AFS) -- From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.">basis for a charge</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">against</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him.</a> 39But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a> Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. <a href="/isaiah/53-9.htm">Isaiah 53:9</a> He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. <a href="/john/8-32.htm">John 8:32</a> Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” <a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17</a> For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-21</a> And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” <a href="/john/19-4.htm">John 19:4</a> Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.” <a href="/john/19-6.htm">John 19:6</a> 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.” <a href="/luke/23-4.htm">Luke 23:4</a> Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” <a href="/matthew/27-24.htm">Matthew 27:24</a> 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.” <a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm">1 Peter 2:22</a> “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” <a href="/1_john/3-5.htm">1 John 3:5</a> But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. <a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Psalm 51:6</a> Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. <a href="/psalms/119-142.htm">Psalm 119:142</a> Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true. <a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Zechariah 8:16</a> These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Romans 3:4</a> Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Pilate said to him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find in him no fault at all.What.<a href="/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19,20,32</a> And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? … <a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Acts 24:25,26</a> And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee… I find.<a href="/john/19-4.htm">John 19:4,6,21,22</a> Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him… <a href="/matthew/27-18.htm">Matthew 27:18,19,24</a> For he knew that for envy they had delivered him… <a href="/mark/15-14.htm">Mark 15:14</a> Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/8-6.htm">Basis</a> <a href="/john/13-29.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/john/8-4.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/john/6-43.htm">Fault</a> <a href="/john/10-9.htm">Find</a> <a href="/john/18-29.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/16-8.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/john/18-36.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/18-37.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/john/10-12.htm">Sooner</a> <a href="/john/18-37.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/17-7.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">Words</a> <a href="/john/18-23.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/19-4.htm">Basis</a> <a href="/john/19-4.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/john/19-4.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/john/19-4.htm">Fault</a> <a href="/john/19-4.htm">Find</a> <a href="/john/19-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/19-6.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/john/18-39.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/19-1.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/john/19-8.htm">Sooner</a> <a href="/john/19-35.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/19-28.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/19-11.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/john/19-8.htm">Words</a> <a href="/john/19-4.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">John 18</div>1. <a href="/john/18-1.htm">Judas betrays Jesus.</a> 6. <a href="/john/18-6.htm">The officers fall to the ground.</a> 10. <a href="/john/18-10.htm">Peter cuts off Malchus' ear.</a> 12. <a href="/john/18-12.htm">Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas.</a> 15. <a href="/john/18-15.htm">Peter's denial.</a> 19. <a href="/john/18-19.htm">Jesus examined before Caiaphas.</a> 25. <a href="/john/18-25.htm">Peter's second and third denial.</a> 28. <a href="/john/18-28.htm">Jesus arraigned before Pilate.</a> 36. <a href="/john/18-36.htm">His kingdom.</a> 40. <a href="/john/18-40.htm">The Jews prefer Barabbas.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“What is truth?” Pilate asked. This question posed by Pontius Pilate is one of the most profound in the New Testament, reflecting a skeptical or perhaps cynical attitude towards the concept of absolute truth. In the Greco-Roman world, truth was often seen as relative, with various philosophical schools offering differing perspectives. Pilate's question may indicate his dismissal of the idea that there is a single, knowable truth, contrasting with Jesus' earlier declaration in <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This moment highlights the tension between worldly power and divine truth, as Pilate, a Roman governor, represents earthly authority, while Jesus embodies divine truth.And having said this, he went out again to the Jews Pilate's action of going out to the Jews signifies the political and social dynamics at play. The Jewish leaders had brought Jesus to Pilate, seeking a Roman execution because they lacked the authority to carry out capital punishment under Roman rule. Pilate's movement between Jesus and the Jewish leaders underscores his role as a mediator in this tense situation. The Jewish leaders were outside the praetorium to avoid ceremonial defilement before the Passover, which is why Pilate had to go out to them, highlighting the cultural and religious customs of the time.and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.” Pilate's declaration of Jesus' innocence is significant, as it fulfills the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant in <a href="/isaiah/53-9.htm">Isaiah 53:9</a>, who was without deceit or wrongdoing. Despite the accusations from the Jewish leaders, Pilate, representing Roman law, finds no legal grounds for Jesus' execution. This statement is crucial in the narrative, as it emphasizes Jesus' sinlessness and the injustice of His trial and crucifixion. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make, as the Lamb of God, without blemish or defect, as described in <a href="/1_peter/1-19.htm">1 Peter 1:19</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pontius_pilate.htm">Pontius Pilate</a> The Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He is known for his question, "What is truth?" which reflects a skeptical or dismissive attitude towards the concept of absolute truth. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure of Christianity, who is on trial before Pilate. Jesus is the embodiment of truth, as He declared earlier in <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>, "I am the way and the truth and the life." 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jews.htm">The Jews</a> Referring to the Jewish leaders and crowd who brought Jesus to Pilate, seeking His crucifixion. They represent the religious authority of the time, who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_praetorium.htm">The Praetorium</a> The Roman governor's headquarters where Jesus was taken for trial. It is a place of political power and decision-making. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_trial_of_jesus.htm">The Trial of Jesus</a> A pivotal event in the Passion account, where Jesus is judged by human authorities, leading to His crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_truth.htm">The Nature of Truth</a> Truth is not subjective or relative; it is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to seek and uphold the truth found in God's Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_irony_of_pilate's_question.htm">The Irony of Pilate's Question</a> Pilate's question, "What is truth?" reveals a deep irony, as he stands before the One who is Truth. This challenges us to recognize and accept truth when it is presented to us. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority_and_justice.htm">The Role of Authority and Justice</a> Pilate's failure to act justly despite recognizing Jesus' innocence serves as a warning against the misuse of authority and the importance of standing for righteousness. <a href="/topical/t/the_rejection_of_truth.htm">The Rejection of Truth</a> The Jewish leaders' rejection of Jesus as the Messiah reflects humanity's tendency to reject truth that challenges or convicts. We must guard against hardening our hearts to God's truth. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_truth.htm">Living Out the Truth</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to live out the truth in our daily lives, reflecting Christ's character and teachings in our interactions with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 18</a> <a href="/q/what_is_truth_according_to_the_bible.htm">What is truth according to the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_killed_jesus.htm">Who killed Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_pilate_hesitant_to_sentence_jesus.htm">Why does Pilate, a known ruthless governor, appear unusually hesitant in sentencing Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_divorce.htm">What is truth according to the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(38) Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?--"'What is truth?' said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer." Such is Lord Bacon's well-known interpretation of Pilate's well-known question. Others have seen in it the bitterness of a mind that had been tossed to and fro in the troubled sea of contemporaneous thought, and despaired of an anchorage. Others, again; have traced the tone of sarcasm in the governor's words--"Is the son of Roman freedom and Greek thought, which had at this time been welded into one power, to learn truth of a Jewish enthusiast?" while the older interpreters, for the most part, regarded the question as that of an earnest inquirer desiring to be satisfied. These are a few among the many thoughts the passage has suggested; and yet none of them seem to give the natural impression which follows from the words. Bacon's is nearest to it, but Pilate was far from jesting. He seems rather to have been irritated by the refusal of the Jews to furnish a formal accusation (<a href="/john/18-31.htm" title="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:">John 18:31</a>), and more so at the question of Jesus in <a href="/john/18-34.htm" title="Jesus answered him, Say you this thing of yourself, or did others tell it you of me?">John 18:34</a>, and the subtleties, as he thinks them, of <a href="/john/18-36.htm" title="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.">John 18:36</a>. This seems to him to be another, and at all events it is wholly irrelevant to the question at issue. He has neither time nor will to deal with it, and at once goes from the palace again to the Jews.I find in him no fault at all.--Better, I find no crime in Him. St. John uses the word rendered "fault" only in this phrase. (Comp. <a href="/john/19-4.htm" title="Pilate therefore went forth again, and said to them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that you may know that I find no fault in him.">John 19:4</a>; <a href="/john/19-6.htm" title="When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate said to them, Take you him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.">John 19:6</a>.) It is used by St. Matthew (<a href="/matthew/27-37.htm" title="And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.">Matthew 27:37</a>) for the technical "accusation written, This is Jesus, the King of the Jews," and this seems to be the sense here. "I find no ground for the legal charge (<a href="/john/18-33.htm" title="Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him, Are you the King of the Jews?">John 18:33</a>). Whatever He may be, there is no proof of treason against the majesty of Caesar." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 38. - Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? The aphorism of Lord Bacon, "'What is truth?' said jesting Pilate, and did not wait for an answer," scarcely represents the reality oft-he case. Pilate was not scornfully jesting with a metaphysical problem, nor professing himself hopelessly baffled in search for it. The language was not the utterance of irrepressible homage to his mysterious Prisoner, or heartfelt sympathy with him. For on this supposition why did he not wait for some more words of strange unearthly wisdom? Nor does he go so far in his skepticism as Pliny the Eider did when he said, "that there is only one thing certain, viz. that there is nothing certain;" but as a man of the world having to do with Roman authority or intrigue and Jewish fanaticism, Pilate despised earnestness and zeal, and was utterly unable to believe in the existence of a world or region where any higher reality than force prevailed. But the governor was now, with his narrow range of thought, strongly convinced that Jesus was utterly innocent of the charge brought against him. The unanswered question is equivalent to this - What has truth to do with kingship? What has the vague shadowy region over which this poor king reigns to do with plots against Caesar? He saw enough to induce him to break off the interview within the Praetorium, and he proceeded, though vainly, to deliver a verdict on the case. When he had said this, he went out to the Jews, and said, I find no crime in him. Here, however, must be introduced the scenes described by Matthew, Mark, and especially by Luke - scenes of loud and angry dispute and renewed and fierce accusation (<a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a>; <a href="/mark/15-3.htm">Mark 15:3-5</a>; <a href="/luke/23-4.htm">Luke 23:4-12</a>). In all three accounts, after the admission that he was King of the Jews, the loud, fierce accusations followed in which our Lord, notwithstanding the repeated summons of Pilate, "answered nothing." At this the governor marveled greatly (Matthew and Mark). It is not impossible that the first question which Pilate put to him within the Praetorium was renewed and laconically answered with the Σὺ λέγεις, as before I but all the wild roar of the chief priests and people could extract nothing more. This silence in face of the accusation of the mob astonished Pilate, and made him more than ever convinced of the innocence of his Prisoner. B. Weiss shows conclusively how much light this interview with Pilate throws on the synoptic narrative; that, in fact, Pilate's whole conduct is only explicable on the supposition that he had received cogent reasons to disarm all political mistrust (see 'Life of Jesus,' vol. 3. pp. 348, 349). Westcott says, "It is of great interest to compare this confession before Pilate with the corresponding confession before the high priest (<a href="/matthew/26-64.htm">Matthew 26:64</a>). The one addressed to the Jews is in the language of prophecy, the other addressed to a Roman appeals to the verdict of universal conscience. The one speaks of a future manifestation of glory, the other of a present manifestation of truth." <a href="/commentaries/john/18-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. truth?” ἀλήθεια (alētheia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. Pilate Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4091.htm">Strong's 4091: </a> Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman. asked. Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. having said εἰπὼν (eipōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. this, τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. he went out ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. again πάλιν (palin) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαίους (Ioudaious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. told λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “I Ἐγὼ (Egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. find εὑρίσκω (heuriskō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find. no οὐδεμίαν (oudemian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. basis for a charge αἰτίαν (aitian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_156.htm">Strong's 156: </a> From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime. against ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Him. αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/18-38.htm">John 18:38 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/18-38.htm">NT Gospels: John 18:38 Pilate said to him What is truth? 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