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John 18:38

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, “I find no guilt in Him.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— Pilate saith to him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and saith to them, I find in him no fault.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— Pilate says to him, What is truth? And having said this he went out again to the Jews, and says to them, I find no fault whatever in him.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— Pilate saith unto him—What, is truth? And, this saying, again, went he out to the Jews, and saith unto them,—I, find in him, not a single fault.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— Pilate saith to him, 'What is truth?' and this having said, again he went forth unto the Jews, and saith to them, 'I do find no fault in him;
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— Pilate saith to him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: I find no cause in him.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— Pilate said vnto him, What is trueth? And when he had saide that, hee went out againe vnto the Iewes, ? said vnto them, I finde in him no cause at all.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— Pilate saith vnto him, What is trueth? And when hee had said this, he went out againe vnto the Iewes, and saith vnto them, I find in him no fault at all.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— Pilate said to him, What is this truth? And as he said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, I am unable to find even one cause against him.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— Pilatos said to him, What is the truth? And when he had said this, he went forth again to the Jihudoyee, and said to them, I find not one cause in him.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— Pilate said to him: What is the truth? And as he said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them: I find not any crime in him.

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
Pilate 4091
{4091} Prime
Πιλᾶτος
Pilatos
{pil-at'-os}
Of Latin origin; close pressed, that is, firm; Pilatus, a Roman.
saith 3004
{3004} Prime
λέγω
lego
{leg'-o}
A primary verb; properly to 'lay' forth, that is, (figuratively) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 and G5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue]); by implication to mean.
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
unto him, 846
{0846} Prime
αὐτός
autos
{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
What 5101
{5101} Prime
τίς
tis
{tis}
Probably emphatic of G5100; an interrogitive pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions).
is 2076
{2076} Prime
ἐστί
esti
{es-tee'}
Third person singular present indicative of G1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are.
z5748
<5748> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - No Voice Stated (See G5799)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 1612
truth? 225
{0225} Prime
ἀλήθεια
aletheia
{al-ay'-thi-a}
From G0227; truth.
And 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
when he had said 2036
{2036} Prime
ἔπω
epo
{ep'-o}
A primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from G2046, G4483 and G5346); to speak or say (by word or writting).
z5631
<5631> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Participle (See G5796)
Count - 889
this, 5124
{5124} Prime
τοῦτο
touto
{too'-to}
Neuter, singular, nomitive or accusative of G3778; that thing.
he went out 1831
{1831} Prime
ἐξέρχομαι
exerchomai
{ex-er'-khom-ahee}
From G1537 and G2064; to issue (literally or figuratively).
z5627
<5627> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 2138 plus 1 in a variant reading in a footnote
again 3825
{3825} Prime
πάλιν
palin
{pal'-in}
Probably from the same as G3823 (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adverbially) anew, that is, (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjugationally) furthermore or on the other hand.
unto 4314
{4314} Prime
πρός
pros
{pros}
A strengthened form of G4253; a preposition of direction; forward to, that is, toward (with the genitive case the side of, that is, pertaining to; with the dative case by the side of, that is, near to; usually with the accusative case the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, that is, whither or for which it is predicated).
the x3588
(3588) Complement

ho
{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
Jews, 2453
{2453} Prime
Ἰουδαῖος
Ioudaios
{ee-oo-dah'-yos}
From G2448 (in the sense of G2455 as a country); Judaean, that is, belonging to Jehudah.
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
saith 3004
{3004} Prime
λέγω
lego
{leg'-o}
A primary verb; properly to 'lay' forth, that is, (figuratively) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 and G5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue]); by implication to mean.
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
unto them, 846
{0846} Prime
αὐτός
autos
{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
I 1473
{1473} Prime
ἐγώ
ego
{eg-o'}
A primary pronoun of the first person, 'I' (only expressed when emphatic).
find 2147
{2147} Prime
εὑρίσκω
heurisko
{hyoo-ris'-ko}
A prolonged form of a primary word εὕρω [[heuro]], {hyoo'-ro}; which (together with another cognate form, εὑρέω [[heureo]], {hyoo-reh'-o}) is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect; to find (literally or figuratively).
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
him 846
{0846} Prime
αὐτός
autos
{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
no 3762
{3762} Prime
οὐδείς
oudeis
{oo-dice'}
From G3761 and G1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), that is, none, nobody, nothing.
fault 156
{0156} Prime
αἰτία
aitia
{ahee-tee'-a}
From the same as G0154; a cause (as if asked for), that is, (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved).
[at all].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

See commentary on John 18:33-38.


John 18:38

_ _ Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? — that is, “Thou stirrest the question of questions, which the thoughtful of every age have asked, but never man yet answered.”

_ _ And when he had said this — as if, by putting such a question, he was getting into interminable and unseasonable inquiries, when this business demanded rather prompt action.

_ _ he went out again unto the Jews — thus missing a noble opportunity for himself, and giving utterance to that consciousness of the want of all intellectual and moral certainty, which was the feeling of every thoughtful mind at that time. “The only certainty,” says the elder Pliny, “is that nothing is certain, nor more miserable than man, nor more proud. The fearful laxity of morals at that time must doubtless be traced in a great degree to this skepticism. The revelation of the eternal truth alone was able to breathe new life into ruined human nature, and that in the apprehension of complete redemption” [Olshausen].

_ _ and saith unto them — in the hearing of our Lord, who had been brought forth.

_ _ I find in him no fault — no crime. This so exasperated “the chief priests and elders” that, afraid of losing their prey, they poured forth a volley of charges against Him, as appears from Luke 23:4, Luke 23:5 : on Pilate’s affirming His innocence, “they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.” They see no hope of getting Pilate’s sanction to His death unless they can fasten upon Him a charge of conspiracy against the government; and as Galilee was noted for its turbulence (Luke 13:1; Acts 5:37), and our Lord’s ministry lay chiefly there, they artfully introduce it to give color to their charge. “And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing (Mark 15:3). Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? And He answered him to never a word, insomuch that the governor marveled greatly” (Matthew 27:13, Matthew 27:14). See Mark 15:3-5. In his perplexity, Pilate, hearing of Galilee, bethinks himself of the expedient of sending Him to Herod, in the hope of thereby further shaking off responsibility in the case. See Mark 15:6, and see on Luke 23:6-12. The return of the prisoner only deepened the perplexity of Pilate, who, “calling together the chief priests, rulers, and people,” tells them plainly that not one of their charges against “this man” had been made good, while even Herod, to whose jurisdiction he more naturally belonged, had done nothing to Him: He “will therefore chastise and release him” (Luke 23:13-16).

Matthew Henry's Commentary

See commentary on John 18:28-40.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

John 18:38

What is truth? — Said Pilate, a courtier; perhaps meaning what signifies truth? Is that a thing worth hazarding your life for? So he left him presently, to plead with the Jews for him, looking upon him as an innocent but weak man.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

John 18:38

(12) Pilate saith unto him, (d) What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].

(12) It was required that Christ should be pronounced innocent, but nonetheless, in that he took upon himself our person, he was to be condemned as a most wicked man.

(d) He speaks this disdainfully and scoffingly, and not by way of asking a question.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
What:

Acts 17:19-20 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, [is]? ... For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].
Acts 24:25-26 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. ... He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

I find:

John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
John 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify [him], crucify [him]. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify [him]: for I find no fault in him.
John 19:21-22 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. ... Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
Matthew 27:18-19 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. ... When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].
Mark 15:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and [to] the people, I find no fault in this man.
Luke 23:14-16 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined [him] before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: ... I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].
1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Peter 2:22-23 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ... Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Mt 27:18, 24. Mk 15:14. Lk 23:4, 14. Jn 19:4, 6, 21. Ac 17:19, 32; 24:25. 1P 1:19; 2:22.

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