John 18:35

Authorized King James Version

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
Πιλᾶτος
Pilate
close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman
#4
Μήτι
whether at all
#5
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#6
Ἰουδαῖός
a Jew
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#7
εἰμι
Am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#8
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἔθνος
nation
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#10
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
σὸν
Thine own
thine
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#15
παρέδωκάν
have delivered
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#16
σε
thee
thee
#17
ἐμοί·
unto me
to me
#18
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#19
ἐποίησας
hast thou done
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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