King James Version

What Does John 19:16 Mean?

John 19:16 in the King James Version says “Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.” — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.”

John 19:16 · KJV

Salvation

Context

14

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

15

But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

16

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

17

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

18

Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one , and Jesus in the midst.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified (τότε οὖν παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν αὐτοῖς ἵνα σταυρωθῇ/tote oun paredōken auton autois hina staurōthē)—the verb paredōken (delivered, handed over) echoes throughout the passion narrative. Judas delivered Jesus to the priests (18:2), the priests delivered Him to Pilate (18:35), now Pilate delivers Him to crucifixion. The chain of human betrayal serves divine purpose.

The passive voice staurōthē (to be crucified) indicates Jesus is the object of others' actions, yet John's Gospel makes clear Jesus lays down His life voluntarily (10:18). They took Jesus, and led him away (παρέλαβον οὖν τὸν Ἰησοῦν/parelabon oun ton Iēsoun)—the Via Dolorosa begins. He who led Israel through the wilderness is now led to slaughter. He who is the Way is led along the way of the cross.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman crucifixion protocol required the condemned to carry the patibulum (crossbeam) through public streets to the execution site. This served as deterrent—showing Rome's power and the consequences of opposing it. That Jesus initially carried His own cross (v.17) fulfilled Isaac's carrying wood for his own sacrifice (Genesis 22:6), until Simon of Cyrene was pressed into service (Matthew 27:32).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the chain of human 'delivering' and 'handing over' reveal our collective guilt in Christ's death?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus was simultaneously passively acted upon (delivered, led) and actively accomplishing His mission?
  3. When you trace the Via Dolorosa narratively, whose sins put Jesus on that path?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
τότε1 of 13

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

οὖν2 of 13

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

παρέδωκεν3 of 13

“delivered he”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτοῖς4 of 13

“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

αὐτοῖς5 of 13

“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

ἵνα6 of 13

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σταυρωθῇ7 of 13

“be crucified”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

Παρέλαβον8 of 13

“they took”

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

δὲ9 of 13

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν10 of 13
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν11 of 13

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ12 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

ἀπήγαγον·13 of 13

“led him away”

G520

to take off (in various senses)

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 19:16 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 19:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:26-31Luke 23:24-25Mark 15:15-20

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