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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 19:21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but only that He said, 'I am the King of the Jews.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/19-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/43_Jhn_19_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 19:21 - The Crucifixion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but only that He said, 'I am the King of the Jews.'" /><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'; 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but that he said, I am King of the Jews. <a href="/nkjv/john/19.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ” <a href="/nasb_/john/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; rather, write that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” <a href="/nasb/john/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, &#8220Do not write, &#8216The King of the Jews’ but that He said, &#8216I am King of the Jews.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And so the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” <a href="/lsb/john/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews;’ but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” <a href="/amp/john/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but, ‘He said, “I am King of the Jews.”’” <a href="/csb/john/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’ ” <a href="/hcsb/john/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, &#8220Don&#8217t write, &#8216The King of the Jews,&#8217 but that He said, &#8216I am the King of the Jews.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. <a href="/cev/john/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So the chief priests went to Pilate and said, "Why did you write that he is King of the Jews? You should have written, 'He claimed to be King of the Jews.'" <a href="/erv/john/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but, that he said, I am King of the Jews. <a href="/gwt/john/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The chief priests of the Jewish people told Pilate, "Don't write, 'The king of the Jews!' Instead, write, 'He said that he is the king of the Jews.'" <a href="/gnt/john/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> The chief priests said to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but rather, 'This man said, I am the King of the Jews.'" <a href="/isv/john/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the Jewish high priests told Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but that this fellow said, 'I am the King of the Jews.'" <a href="/msb/john/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ?Do not write, ?The King of the Jews,? but only that He said, ?I am the King of the Jews.?? <a href="/net/john/19.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The king of the Jews,' but rather, 'This man said, I am king of the Jews.'" <a href="/nheb/john/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The chief priests of the Jewish people therefore said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'he said, I am King of the Jews.'" <a href="/wbt/john/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. <a href="/wey/john/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This led the Jewish High Priests to remonstrate with Pilate. "You should not write 'The King of the Jews,'" they said, "but that he claimed to be King of the Jews." <a href="/web/john/19.htm">World English Bible</a> The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, “I am King of the Jews.”’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Do not write, The King of the Jews, but that this One said, I am King of the Jews”; <a href="/blb/john/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but that He said, 'I am King of the Jews.'" <a href="/ylt/john/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The chief priests of the Jews said, therefore, to Pilate, 'Write not -- The king of the Jews, but that one said, I am king of the Jews;' <a href="/slt/john/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. <a href="/cpdv/john/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the high priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Do not write, ‘King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’ <a href="/nabre/john/19.htm">New American Bible</a> So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’ ” <a href="/nrsvce/john/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The high priests then said to Pilate, Do not write that he is the king of the Jews; but that he said, I am the king of the Jews. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And the Chief Priests said to Pilate, “Do not write, 'He is The King of the Judeans', but, “He said, 'I am The King of the Judeans.'”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Write not, The king of the Jews; but, that he said, I am the king of the Jews. <a href="/godbey/john/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, Write not, King of the Jews; but that He said, I am the King of the Jews. <a href="/haweis/john/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> The chief priests of the Jews then said to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. <a href="/mace/john/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a> thereupon the chief priests of the Jews went to Pilate, saying, don't write, "The king of the Jews;" but that he said, I am king of the Jews. <a href="/wey/john/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This led the Jewish High Priests to remonstrate with Pilate. "You should not write 'The King of the Jews,'" they said, "but that he claimed to be King of the Jews." <a href="/worrell/john/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> The high priests of the Jews, therefore, said to Pilate, "Write not, 'The King of the Jews,' but that He said, I am King of the Jews." <a href="/worsley/john/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, Write not "The king of the Jews," but that "He said, I am king of the Jews." <a href="/parallel/john/19-21.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=6798" 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/19.htm">The Crucifixion</a> …20Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. 21<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</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/749.htm" title="749: archiereis (N-NMP) -- High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.">chief priests</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: elegon (V-IIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">said</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- 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: Pilatō (N-DMS) -- Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.">to Pilate,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">“Do not</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: graphe (V-PMA-2S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">write,</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.">‘The</a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: Basileus (N-NMS) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">King</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews,’</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but only</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinos (DPro-NMS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">He</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">said,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">‘I am</a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: Basileus (N-NMS) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">the King</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews.’”</a> 22Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”…<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="/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37</a> Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/mark/15-26.htm">Mark 15:26</a> And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Luke 23:38</a> Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/john/18-33.htm">John 18:33-37</a> Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” / “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” / “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” ... <a href="/john/1-49.htm">John 1:49</a> “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” <a href="/john/12-13.htm">John 12:13</a> They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” <a href="/acts/2-36.htm">Acts 2:36</a> Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!” <a href="/acts/4-10.htm">Acts 4:10</a> then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. <a href="/acts/13-28.htm">Acts 13:28-29</a> And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed. / When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Philippians 2:8-11</a> And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. / Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ... <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a> Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6</a> “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” <a href="/psalms/22-6.htm">Psalm 22:6-8</a> But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.” <a href="/psalms/69-9.htm">Psalm 69:9</a> because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. <a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/19-15.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/john/19-7.htm">Claimed</a> <a href="/john/19-15.htm">High</a> <a href="/john/18-12.htm">Jewish</a> <a href="/john/19-20.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/19-16.htm">Led</a> <a href="/john/19-19.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/john/19-15.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/john/8-41.htm">Protested</a> <a href="/mark/8-32.htm">Remonstrate</a> <a href="/john/8-8.htm">Write</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/4-6.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/acts/4-32.htm">Claimed</a> <a href="/john/19-31.htm">High</a> <a href="/john/19-40.htm">Jewish</a> <a href="/john/19-31.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/7-36.htm">Led</a> <a href="/john/19-22.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/acts/4-1.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Protested</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Remonstrate</a> <a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Write</a><div class="vheading2">John 19</div>1. <a href="/john/19-1.htm">Jesus is scourged, crowned with thorns, and beaten.</a> 4. <a href="/john/19-4.htm">Pilate is desirous to release him, </a> 15. <a href="/john/19-15.htm">but being overcome with the outrage of the crowd, he delivers him to be crucified.</a> 23. <a href="/john/19-23.htm">They cast lots for his garments.</a> 25. <a href="/john/19-25.htm">He commends his mother to John.</a> 28. <a href="/john/19-28.htm">He dies.</a> 31. <a href="/john/19-31.htm">His side is pierced.</a> 38. <a href="/john/19-38.htm">He is buried by Joseph and Nicodemus.</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/19.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/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate The chief priests were part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which held significant religious authority. Their involvement in Jesus' trial highlights the tension between Jewish leaders and Jesus, who challenged their authority and interpretations of the Law. Pilate, the Roman governor, was responsible for maintaining order and had the authority to execute criminals. This interaction underscores the political and religious dynamics at play, as the Jewish leaders sought to influence Roman authority to achieve their aims.“Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ The title "King of the Jews" was a politically charged term. It implied a challenge to Roman authority, as any claim to kingship could be seen as a threat to Caesar. The Jewish leaders were concerned that this title, if left unchallenged, might validate Jesus' claim and incite unrest. This reflects their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, despite the prophecies and signs that pointed to His identity. The title also fulfills the prophecy of a suffering servant who would be misunderstood and rejected by His own people (<a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a>).but only that He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’” The Jewish leaders wanted to emphasize that Jesus' claim to kingship was self-proclaimed and not recognized by them. This distinction was crucial for them to distance themselves from any implication of supporting a rival king. It also highlights their attempt to discredit Jesus' authority and mission. This phrase echoes the theme of misunderstanding and rejection found throughout the Gospels, where Jesus' true identity and mission were often misconstrued by both religious leaders and the general populace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests_of_the_jews.htm">Chief Priests of the Jews</a> Religious leaders who held significant authority in Jewish society. They were instrumental in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion and were concerned about the inscription on the cross. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pilate.htm">Pilate</a> The Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus. He authorized the crucifixion and ordered the inscription to be placed on the cross. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> Central figure of Christianity, whose crucifixion is the focal point of this passage. The title "King of the Jews" is significant in understanding His identity and mission. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_inscription.htm">The Inscription</a> The sign placed above Jesus on the cross, which read "The King of the Jews." This was a point of contention between Pilate and the Jewish leaders. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_crucifixion.htm">The Crucifixion</a> The event of Jesus being crucified, which is central to Christian theology as the means of atonement for sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_irony_of_the_inscription.htm">The Irony of the Inscription</a> The title "King of the Jews" was meant to mock Jesus, yet it proclaimed a profound truth about His identity. Reflect on how God can use even the intentions of His opponents to declare His truth. <a href="/topical/a/authority_and_sovereignty.htm">Authority and Sovereignty</a> Pilate's decision to keep the inscription as it was written demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs. Consider how God's purposes prevail despite human opposition. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> The debate over Jesus' title challenges us to consider who we say Jesus is. Reflect on your personal understanding of Jesus' identity and its implications for your life. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_proclamation.htm">Courage in Proclamation</a> Pilate's refusal to change the inscription, despite pressure, can inspire believers to stand firm in proclaiming the truth of Christ, even when faced with opposition. <a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> The events surrounding the crucifixion, including the inscription, fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Study how Jesus' life and death align with these prophecies to strengthen your faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 19</a> <a href="/q/day_21_insights_on_spiritual_growth.htm">What events transpired during the crucifixion of Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_pilate's_'king_of_the_jews'.htm">Is there any historical evidence outside John 19:19 to confirm Pilate’s inscription of “King of the Jews”? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_mark_15_align_with_other_gospels.htm">How do the events described in Mark 15 align with differing crucifixion accounts in the other Gospels? </a> <a href="/q/what_did_the_cross_inscription_say.htm">What was the wording on the cross in the Gospels? Matthew: 'This is Jesus the King of the Jews,' Mark: 'The King of the Jews,' Luke: 'This is the King of the Jews,' John: 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.'</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate.--Better, Therefore said . . ., i.e., because the inscription could be read by all comers, and the Messianic title, "King of the Jews," would be exposed to scorn. Yet these are the men who said, in order to accomplish the death of Jesus, "We have no king but Caesar."The expression, "chief priests of the Jews," occurs only here in the New Testament, perhaps in contrast to the title, "King of the Jews," to indicate that their anxiety about the title came from them as representatives of the national honour.What I have written I have written.--The words are a formula to signify that the thing was done and could not be undone. There are frequent instances of similar expressions in the Rabbinical writings.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate. They must have hurried back to him with petulant resentment of his intentional scorn. Observe the very unusual phrase, "the chief priests of the Jews," as though the priesthood felt the connection between the priesthood and kingship of the theocratic people, and it gave additional sting to the sarcastic reproach involved in the inscription. Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. They resented the association of the theocratic or Messianic symbol with the spiritual Being whom they had condemned. Had they not already declared that they had no king but Caesar? Doubtless he said, "I am the King of the Jews;" he made the claim, not in a sense which could be rationally entertained in a Roman court, but in the true Messianic and prophetic sense. The priests knew perfectly well that because Jesus had altogether refused, Heir of David though he was, to entertain the Kingship in the only sense in which they desired to proclaim it, they had rebelled against him and rejected his claims. For Pilate to have given any color to the purely spiritual prerogative of their Victim roused their remonstrance, but that it might be treated as identification of the national cause with a convicted and crucified felon exasperated them. <a href="/commentaries/john/19-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. 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. chief priests ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_749.htm">Strong's 749: </a> High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive 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 Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. said ἔλεγον (elegon) Verb - Imperfect 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. to Pilate, Πιλάτῳ (Pilatō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4091.htm">Strong's 4091: </a> Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman. “{Do} not Μὴ (Mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. write, γράφε (graphe) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. ‘The Ὁ (Ho) Article - Nominative 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. King Βασιλεὺς (Basileus) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive 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,’ Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. but only ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. He ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. said, 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. ‘I am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st 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. [the] King Βασιλεύς (Basileus) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive 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.’? Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/19-21.htm">John 19:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/19-21.htm">NT Gospels: John 19:21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/19-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 19:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 19:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/19-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 19:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 19:22" /></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>