King James Version

What Does John 18:38 Mean?

John 18:38 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from John chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 18:38 · KJV


Context

36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

37

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

38

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.

39

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

40

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What is truth? (Τί ἐστιν ἀλήθεια;)—History's most tragic question, asked while standing before the incarnate Truth. The Greek alētheia (truth, reality, unconcealedness) echoes Jesus's self-identification: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (14:6). Was Pilate's question cynical skepticism, philosophical musing, or genuine inquiry cut short by political pressure? John leaves it unanswered—Pilate exits without waiting for response.

I find in him no fault at all (οὐδεμίαν εὑρίσκω ἐν αὐτῷ αἰτίαν)—Three times Pilate declares Jesus's innocence (here, 19:4, 19:6), fulfilling the Mosaic requirement of multiple witnesses and foreshadowing Christ as the spotless Lamb. The word aitian means "cause, guilt, accusation." Pilate pronounces Jesus legally innocent yet proceeds to execute him—the very definition of injustice, exposing how truth yields to expedience when power lacks moral courage.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pilate's question reflects first-century philosophical skepticism, especially Roman Stoicism and emerging relativism. Pontius Pilate governed during Tiberius's reign (AD 14-37), a period of political paranoia where governors feared accusations of disloyalty. His declaration of innocence while capitulating to pressure reveals his character: truth-aware but truth-denying.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of life do you ask "What is truth?" while refusing to wait for or act on the answer?
  2. How does declaring Jesus innocent while still condemning him mirror modern proclamations of faith without obedience?
  3. What does Pilate's encounter with Truth incarnate teach about the bankruptcy of relativism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
λέγει1 of 24

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ2 of 24

him

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

3 of 24
G3588

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

Πιλᾶτος4 of 24

Pilate

G4091

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

Τί5 of 24

What

G5101

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

ἐστιν6 of 24

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀλήθεια7 of 24

truth

G225

truth

καὶ8 of 24

And

G2532

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

τοῦτο9 of 24

this

G5124

that thing

εἰπὼν10 of 24

when he had said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πάλιν11 of 24

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἐξῆλθεν12 of 24

he went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς13 of 24

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,

τοὺς14 of 24
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίους15 of 24

the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ16 of 24

And

G2532

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

λέγει17 of 24

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ18 of 24

him

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

Ἐγὼ19 of 24

I

G1473

i, me

οὐδεμίαν20 of 24

no

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

αἰτίαν21 of 24

fault

G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

εὑρίσκω22 of 24

find

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἐν23 of 24

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ24 of 24

him

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


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 18:38 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 18:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study