CINXE.COM

<!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 19:22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/19-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/43_Jhn_19_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 19:22 - The Crucifixion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written." /><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/19-22.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/19-22.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/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 22</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="/ad2.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/19-21.htm" title="John 19:21">◄</a> John 19:22 <a href="/john/19-23.htm" title="John 19:23">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Pilate answered, &#8220What I have written, I have written.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Pilate answered, &#8220What I have written I have written.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Pilate replied, “What I have written I have written [and it remains written].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pilate replied, &#8220What I have written, I have written.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Pilate told them, "What is written will not be changed!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Pilate replied, "I have written what I've written."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Pilate answered, "What I have written stays written." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Pilate replied, "What I have written I have written."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, ?What I have written, I have written.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"What I have written I have written," was Pilate's answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Pilate answered, 'What I have written, I have written.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered: What I have written, I have written. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Pilate responded, “What I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Pilate said, What I have written, I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Pilate said, “What I have written, I have written.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Pilate answered: What I have written, I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Pilate answered, what I have writ, I have writ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"What I have written I have written," was Pilate's answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/19-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=6808" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/19.htm">The Crucifixion</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>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.’ ” <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><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/611.htm" title="611: Apekrithē (V-AIP-3S) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">answered,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: Ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">“What</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegrapha (V-RIA-1S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">I have written,</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegrapha (V-RIA-1S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">I have written.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">23</span>When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37</a></span><br />Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-26.htm">Mark 15:26</a></span><br />And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Luke 23:38</a></span><br />Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31-32</a></span><br />“You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. / This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-27.htm">Acts 4:27-28</a></span><br />In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Acts 2:23</a></span><br />He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Romans 9:19-21</a></span><br />One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?” / But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” / Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23-24</a></span><br />but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Philippians 2:8-11</a></span><br />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, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-5</a></span><br />He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Psalm 22:16-18</a></span><br />For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. / I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. / They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-6</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.</p><p class="hdg">What.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12</a></b></br> And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/65-7.htm">Psalm 65:7</a></b></br> Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Psalm 76:10</a></b></br> Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/12-40.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/john/19-21.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/john/19-13.htm">Pilate's</a> <a href="/john/19-20.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/john/19-20.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/john/19-31.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/john/19-38.htm">Pilate's</a> <a href="/john/19-28.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/john/20-30.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">John 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-1.htm">Jesus is scourged, crowned with thorns, and beaten.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-4.htm">Pilate is desirous to release him, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-15.htm">but being overcome with the outrage of the crowd, he delivers him to be crucified.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-23.htm">They cast lots for his garments.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-25.htm">He commends his mother to John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-28.htm">He dies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-31.htm">His side is pierced.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/19-38.htm">He is buried by Joseph and Nicodemus.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Pilate answered</b><br>Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea from AD 26-36. His role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus is significant, as he was the one who ultimately authorized Jesus' execution. Pilate's interactions with Jesus are recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting his struggle between political pressure and his own judgment. In this context, Pilate's response is to the Jewish leaders who objected to the inscription he placed on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (<a href="/john/19-19.htm">John 19:19</a>). This phrase reflects Pilate's authority and his decision to stand by his actions despite the protests.<p><b>“What I have written,</b><br>The inscription on the cross was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, ensuring that it was understood by all who passed by. This trilingual inscription signifies the universal nature of Jesus' kingship, as these were the major languages of the time. Pilate's statement here indicates a finality and a refusal to alter the declaration, which inadvertently affirms the truth of Jesus' identity as King, despite Pilate's likely intention to mock.<p><b>I have written.”</b><br>This phrase underscores the permanence of Pilate's decision. In a broader theological context, it reflects the unchangeable nature of God's plans and purposes. Pilate's words, though spoken in a moment of political maneuvering, align with the divine narrative of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah and King. This echoes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and kingship, such as in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a> and <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a>. The statement also serves as a type of Christ's unalterable role as the Savior, whose mission and identity are fixed and eternal.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/pontius_pilate.htm">Pontius Pilate</a></b><br>The Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He is known for his role in the crucifixion of Jesus, despite his apparent reluctance to condemn Him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure of Christianity, whose crucifixion and resurrection are foundational to Christian faith. In this context, He is being crucified and a sign is placed above Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_inscription.htm">The Inscription</a></b><br>Pilate ordered an inscription to be placed on the cross of Jesus, reading "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." This was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, signifying the universal nature of Jesus' kingship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_chief_priests_of_the_jews.htm">The Chief Priests of the Jews</a></b><br>Religious leaders who opposed Jesus and sought His crucifixion. They objected to the wording of the inscription, wanting it to say that Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/golgotha.htm">Golgotha</a></b><br>The place where Jesus was crucified, also known as "The Place of the Skull."<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a></b><br>Pilate's statement, "What I have written, I have written," reflects the unchangeable nature of God's plan. Despite human intentions, God's purposes are fulfilled.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_christ's_kingship.htm">The Universality of Christ's Kingship</a></b><br>The inscription was written in three languages, symbolizing that Jesus is King for all people, not just the Jews. This calls believers to share the Gospel universally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_authority_vs._divine_authority.htm">Human Authority vs. Divine Authority</a></b><br>Pilate's authority was limited and ultimately subject to God's will. Believers should recognize that earthly powers are under God's control.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/standing_firm_in_conviction.htm">Standing Firm in Conviction</a></b><br>Pilate's refusal to change the inscription, despite pressure, can remind Christians to stand firm in their convictions, especially regarding the truth of who Jesus is.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_irony_of_the_cross.htm">The Irony of the Cross</a></b><br>The inscription intended as a mockery actually proclaimed a profound truth. God can use even the intentions of those opposed to Him to declare His truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_inri_mean.htm">What is the meaning of the letters INRI?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psalms_foreshadow_jesus.htm">How do Psalms foreshadow Jesus Christ's life and mission?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Pilate answered, What I have written I have written</span>. And he curtly dismissed them. Pilate no longer dreaded their making his apparent favor to Jesus into a complaint to the emperor, and he gave way to the indomitable temper of which Philo accuses him. He found grim satisfaction in insulting and browbeating them for a moment, <span class="greek">{Ο γέγραφα γέγραφα</span>. "I said it, and I meant it; I have crucified your King; yes, true King in his own sense, but not in yours. You have falsely charged him with rebelling against Caesar, and you know that you have lied to my face. Let be; he is your King, and so perish all your futile attempts to shatter the arm that holds you now in its grasp." That and more was condensed in this haughty and obstinate reply. While this was going on in the Praetorium, the tragedy was proceeding at Golgotha; and St. John now returns thither, and describes an event of intense interest which occurred, as all synoptists say, at the very time of the elevation of the cross. John, however, has further facts and symbolic detail to append which were omitted by them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/19-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Pilate</span><br /><span class="grk">Πιλᾶτος</span> <span class="translit">(Pilatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4091.htm">Strong's 4091: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀπεκρίθη</span> <span class="translit">(Apekrithē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὃ</span> <span class="translit">(Ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have written,</span><br /><span class="grk">γέγραφα</span> <span class="translit">(gegrapha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have written.”</span><br /><span class="grk">γέγραφα</span> <span class="translit">(gegrapha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/19-22.htm">John 19:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/19-22.htm">NT Gospels: John 19:22 Pilate answered What I have written (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/19-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 19:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 19:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/19-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 19:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 19:23" /></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>