King James Version

What Does Luke 23:3 Mean?

Luke 23:3 in the King James Version says “And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.”

Luke 23:3 · King James Version

Context

1

And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

3

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

4

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

5

And they were the more fierce, saying , He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Art thou the King of the Jews?—Pilate's question cuts to the heart of Rome's political concern. The Greek βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων (basileus tōn Ioudaiōn) carried seditious implications under Roman rule, as only Caesar could authorize kings. The charge before Pilate (v. 2) was explicitly political: perverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, and claiming kingship.

Thou sayest it (σὺ λέγεις, sy legeis)—Jesus's response is neither evasive nor a simple affirmation. This rabbinic idiom acknowledges the truth of Pilate's words while redirecting responsibility for the statement back to the questioner. Jesus confirms His kingship but in a way that forces Pilate to confront what kind of king stands before him—not a revolutionary zealot, but the promised Messiah whose kingdom "is not of this world" (John 18:36). The irony is profound: the true King of Kings stands trial before a temporal governor.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This interrogation occurred during Passover week (c. AD 30-33) in Pilate's Jerusalem headquarters, likely Herod's palace. Pontius Pilate served as Roman prefect of Judea (AD 26-36). As a Roman citizen accused of treason, Jesus received a formal trial. The title "King of the Jews" was politically charged—Rome had executed Jewish messianic claimants before, and Pilate faced pressure to maintain order during the volatile Passover festival.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's non-denial yet qualified affirmation of His kingship model wisdom when speaking truth to hostile authorities?
  2. What does Pilate's question reveal about the world's tendency to reduce spiritual reality to political categories?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὁ1 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Πιλᾶτος3 of 19

“Pilate”

G4091

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

ἐπηρώτησεν4 of 19

“asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτῷ5 of 19

“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

λέγεις6 of 19

“sayest”

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

Σὺ7 of 19

“Thou”

G4771

thou

εἶ8 of 19

“Art”

G1488

thou art

ὁ9 of 19
G3588

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

βασιλεὺς10 of 19

“the King”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῶν11 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων12 of 19

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὁ13 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς15 of 19

“he answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτῷ16 of 19

“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

ἔφη17 of 19

“and said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Σὺ18 of 19

“Thou”

G4771

thou

λέγεις19 of 19

“sayest”

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 23:3 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 Luke 23:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:491 Timothy 6:13Luke 22:70Mark 15:2Luke 1:32-33Mark 15:18

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