John 18:36
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 43
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 43
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἡ
G3588
Ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
5 of 43
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 43
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
world
G2889
κόσμου
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
12 of 43
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 43
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
world
G2889
κόσμου
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
17 of 43
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
21 of 43
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπηρέται
servants
G5257
ὑπηρέται
servants
Strong's:
G5257
Word #:
25 of 43
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἠγωνίζοντο
fight
G75
ἠγωνίζοντο
fight
Strong's:
G75
Word #:
29 of 43
to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
31 of 43
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
33 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
35 of 43
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
37 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
38 of 43
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
39 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 6:15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.Romans 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.Daniel 7:14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.1 Timothy 6:13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Matthew 26:53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?Luke 12:14And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?John 8:15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
Historical Context
Pilate represented Rome's power; Jesus represents God's kingdom. The contrast is stark: Rome ruled by sword, Christ by truth. Pilate's question (v. 37) shows confusion: a king who won't fight to defend his kingdom defied understanding.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom shape the church's methods and goals?
- In what ways are Christians tempted to advance God's kingdom through worldly means?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus clarifies His kingdom's nature to Pilate: it is 'not of this world', meaning not originating from or operating by worldly principles. Had it been earthly, His servants would fight to prevent His arrest. This demonstrates Christianity's spiritual nature—advanced by truth and changed hearts, not political power or military force. Christ voluntarily submits to crucifixion because His kingdom is established through sacrificial love, not conquest.