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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 18:31 "You take Him and judge Him by your own law," Pilate told them. "We are not permitted to execute anyone," the Jews replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/18-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/43_Jhn_18_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 18:31 - Jesus Before Pilate" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You take Him and judge Him by your own law, Pilate told them. We are not permitted to execute anyone, the Jews replied." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/18-31.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/18-31.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 31</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="/ad11.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/18-30.htm" title="John 18:30">◄</a> John 18:31 <a href="/john/18-32.htm" title="John 18:32">►</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> Pilate said, &#8220Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.&#8221 &#8220But we have no right to execute anyone,&#8221 they objected. <a href="/nlt/john/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> “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. <a href="/esv/john/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. <a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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"-- <a href="/kjv/john/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/john/18.htm">New King James Version</a> 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,” <a href="/nasb_/john/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb/john/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Pilate said to them, &#8220Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.&#8221 The Jews said to him, &#8220We are not permitted to put anyone to death,&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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,” <a href="/lsb/john/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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,” <a href="/amp/john/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/csb/john/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/john/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So Pilate told them, &#8220Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your law."&#8221 It&#8217s not legal for us to put anyone to death,&#8221 the Jews declared. <a href="/asv/john/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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: <a href="/cev/john/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Pilate told them, "Take him and judge him by your own laws." The crowd replied, "We are not allowed to put anyone to death." <a href="/erv/john/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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: <a href="/gwt/john/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Pilate told the Jews, "Take him, and try him by your law." The Jews answered him, "We're not allowed to execute anyone." <a href="/gnt/john/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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." ( <a href="/isv/john/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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." <a href="/net/john/18.htm">NET Bible</a> 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." <a href="/nheb/john/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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," <a href="/wbt/john/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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: <a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Take him yourselves," said Pilate, "and judge him by your Law." "We have no power," replied the Jews, "to put any man to death."<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/john/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews then replied. <a href="/web/john/18.htm">World English Bible</a> 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,” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Pilate, 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”; <a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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"-- <a href="/ylt/john/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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;' <a href="/slt/john/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Pilate 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; <a href="/cpdv/john/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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.” <a href="/nabre/john/18.htm">New American Bible</a> 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,” <a href="/nrsvce/john/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then 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; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> 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”,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then 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; <a href="/godbey/john/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/haweis/john/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> 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: <a href="/mace/john/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Take him yourselves," said Pilate, "and judge him by your Law." "We have no power," replied the Jews, "to put any man to death." <a href="/worrell/john/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> 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:" <a href="/worsley/john/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> 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: <a href="/parallel/john/18-31.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=6495" 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> …30“If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” 31<a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: Labete (V-AMA-2P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">“You take</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- 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> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2919.htm" title="2919: krinate (V-AMA-2P) -- Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.">judge</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- 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> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">by</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">own</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law,”</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></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/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">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/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">“</a> <a href="/greek/1832.htm" title="1832: exestin (V-PIA-3S) -- It is permitted, lawful, possible. ">We are not permitted</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: Hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/615.htm" title="615: apokteinai (V-ANA) -- To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.">to execute anyone,”</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudena (Adj-AMS) -- No one, none, nothing. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- 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: Ioudaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipon (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">replied.</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> 32This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.…<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="/acts/25-18.htm">Acts 25:18-20</a> 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. <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="/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="/mark/15-14.htm">Mark 15:14</a> “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” <a href="/john/19-6.htm">John 19:6-7</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.” / “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.” <a href="/acts/18-15.htm">Acts 18:15</a> 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.” <a href="/acts/23-29.htm">Acts 23:29</a> I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment. <a href="/acts/26-31.htm">Acts 26:31-32</a> 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.” <a href="/luke/23-14.htm">Luke 23:14-15</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/27-23.htm">Matthew 27:23</a> “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” <a href="/mark/15-13.htm">Mark 15:13-14</a> And they shouted back, “Crucify Him!” / “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” <a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-16</a> 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!” ... <a href="/acts/24-19.htm">Acts 24:19-20</a> 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, <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Deuteronomy 17:8-12</a> 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, ... <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<a href="/john/19-6.htm">John 19:6,7</a> 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… <a href="/acts/25-18.htm">Acts 25:18-20</a> Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: … It.<a href="/john/19-15.htm">John 19:15</a> 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.<a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> 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.<a href="/ezekiel/21-26.htm">Ezekiel 21:26,27</a> 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… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-14.htm">Death</a> <a href="/john/5-27.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/john/18-28.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/12-48.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/john/16-11.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/john/15-25.htm">Law</a> <a href="/john/5-10.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/john/18-29.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/john/17-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/john/18-10.htm">Right</a> <a href="/john/16-19.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/18-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/john/18-33.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/john/19-7.htm">Law</a> <a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/john/18-33.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/john/19-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/john/19-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/john/19-6.htm">Yourselves</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>“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. This response underscores the limitations placed on the Jewish authorities under Roman rule. While the Sanhedrin could try cases and impose certain penalties, the power to execute was reserved for the Roman governor. This restriction is significant in the context of Jesus' trial, as it necessitated Roman involvement to carry out a death sentence. The Jews' statement also fulfills Jesus' prophecy about the manner of His death, as crucifixion was a Roman method of execution, not a Jewish one. This aligns with Jesus' earlier predictions about being "lifted up" (<a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14, 12</a>:32-33), pointing to the crucifixion. The inability of the Jewish leaders to execute Jesus themselves also serves to highlight the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan, as it required Roman participation to bring about the specific type of death prophesied.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pontius_pilate.htm">Pontius Pilate</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_leaders.htm">The Jewish Leaders</a> 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. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, whose trial and crucifixion are pivotal events in Christian theology. 4. <a href="/topical/r/roman_law.htm">Roman Law</a> The legal system under which Judea was governed, which reserved the right of capital punishment to Roman authorities. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_sanhedrin.htm">The Sanhedrin</a> The Jewish council responsible for religious and some civil matters, which had limited power under Roman occupation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority_and_responsibility.htm">Understanding Authority and Responsibility</a> Pilate'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. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_law_in_justice.htm">The Role of Law in Justice</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_justice.htm">The Nature of True Justice</a> 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. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_injustice.htm">Courage in the Face of Injustice</a> Jesus' calm demeanor during His trial is an example for believers to remain steadfast and faithful when facing persecution or injustice.<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/why_do_gospel_accounts_conflict_with_roman_law.htm">Why do the Gospel accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion conflict with known Roman legal and execution procedures?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_consume_meat.htm">What led to Jesus's crucifixion?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_matt_26_14-16_fit_historical_norms.htm">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? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_pontius_pilate_biblically.htm">Who was Pontius Pilate in biblical history?</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>(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 <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm" title="Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, to the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,">Matthew 26:3</a>.)On the stoning of Stephen, which was an illegal act, comp. Notes on <a href="/acts/7-57.htm" title="Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran on him with one accord,">Acts 7:57</a> et seq. <a href="/commentaries/john/18-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“You take Λάβετε (Labete) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. Him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. judge κρίνατε (krinate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. Him αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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. by κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [own] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <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. law,” νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. 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. told Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. 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. “We are not permitted ἔξεστιν (exestin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1832.htm">Strong's 1832: </a> It is permitted, lawful, possible. to execute anyone,” ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_615.htm">Strong's 615: </a> 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 <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 Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. replied. Εἶπον (Eipon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/18-31.htm">NT Gospels: John 18:31 Pilate therefore said to them Take him (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/18-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 18:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 18:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/18-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 18:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 18:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>