King James Version

What Does John 18:29 Mean?

John 18:29 in the King James Version says “Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? — study this verse from John chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

John 18:29 · KJV


Context

27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

28

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. the hall: or, Pilate's house

29

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

30

They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

31

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pilate then went out unto them—The Roman prefect accommodates Jewish scruples by conducting proceedings outside. His question, What accusation bring ye against this man? (Τίνα κατηγορίαν φέρετε κατὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου, Tina katēgorian pherete kata tou anthrōpou toutou), demands formal charges—standard Roman legal procedure.

The term κατηγορίαν (katēgorian, 'accusation') is legal terminology requiring specific criminal allegations. Pilate uses ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou, 'man'), not recognizing divinity—to Rome, this was another troublesome Jew. Yet providentially, both Jewish and Gentile authorities would condemn Jesus, proving all humanity guilty of deicide.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pontius Pilate governed Judea AD 26-36 with notorious brutality (Luke 13:1). Yet Roman law required specific charges, witnesses, and opportunity for defense. Pilate's initial question suggests he expected legitimate criminal accusations, not a religious lynching. His later attempts to release Jesus (vv. 38-39) reveal political calculation, not justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Pilate's demand for proper charges expose the Sanhedrin's lack of legitimate grievance?
  2. What does the collision between Roman legal procedure and Jewish religious zeal teach about law's limitations in producing righteousness?
  3. When have you witnessed legal systems being manipulated to achieve predetermined outcomes rather than discover truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἐξῆλθεν1 of 15

went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οὖν2 of 15

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πιλᾶτος4 of 15

Pilate

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

πρὸς5 of 15

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτοὺς6 of 15

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ7 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν8 of 15

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τίνα9 of 15

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

κατηγορίαν10 of 15

accusation

G2724

a complaint ("category"), i.e., criminal charge

φέρετε11 of 15

bring ye

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

κατὰ12 of 15

against

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπου14 of 15

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τούτου15 of 15

this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 18:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 18:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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