Bible Commentary

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin. 20. nigh to the city ] Pictures are often misleading in placing the city a mile or two in the background of the Crucifixion. S. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:20”

And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. 19. a title ] Better, a title also. It was common to put on the cross the name and crime of the person executed, after making him carry it round his neck … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:19”

Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 18. two other ] Robbers or bandits (not ‘thieves’), as S. Matthew and S. Mark call them, probably guilty of the same crimes as Barabbas (see on Joh 18:40). Jesus is crucified with them as being condemned … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:18”

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 17 22. The Crucifixion and the Title on the Cross 17. bearing his cross ] The better reading gives, bearing the cross for Himself. S. John omits the help which Simon the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:17”

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him ]away. 16. Then delivered he, &c.] Better, Then therefore delivered he, &c. In none of the Gospels does it appear that Pilate pronounced sentence on Jesus; he perhaps purposely avoided doing so. But in delivering Him over to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:16”

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. 15. But they ] The true text gives. They therefore, with the pronoun of opposition ( ekeinoi) in harmony with their cry. They will … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:15”

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 14. the preparation ] i.e. the day before the Passover, the ‘eve,’ See Appendix A. and about the sixth hour ] The best MSS. have ‘it was’ for ‘and;’ it was about the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:14”

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 13. that saying ] The better reading gives, these words. Pilate’s mind seems to be made up at once. brought Jesus forth ] Sentence must … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:13”

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 12. And from thenceforth ] Or (as in Joh 6:66), Hereupon. Result rather than time seems to be meant; but the Greek … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:12”

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. 11. Thou couldest ] Or, wouldest. This is Christ’s last word to Pilate; a defence of the supremacy of God, and a protest against the claim … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 19:11”