John 18:37
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 43
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 43
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Οὐκοῦν
then
G3766
Οὐκοῦν
then
Strong's:
G3766
Word #:
6 of 43
is it not therefore that, i.e., (affirmatively) hence or so
βασιλεύς
a king
G935
βασιλεύς
a king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
7 of 43
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
10 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 #:
11 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 43
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγεις
sayest
G3004
λέγεις
sayest
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 43
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 43
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
βασιλεύς
a king
G935
βασιλεύς
a king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
16 of 43
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
εἰς
To
G1519
εἰς
To
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 43
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
γεγέννημαι
born
G1080
γεγέννημαι
born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
22 of 43
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 43
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
To
G1519
εἰς
To
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
24 of 43
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐλήλυθα
cause came I
G2064
ἐλήλυθα
cause came I
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
26 of 43
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
To
G1519
εἰς
To
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
27 of 43
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
the world
G2889
κόσμον
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
29 of 43
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
μαρτυρήσω
I should bear witness
G3140
μαρτυρήσω
I should bear witness
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
31 of 43
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
35 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
37 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
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
38 of 43
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 John 4:6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.John 8:47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.John 8:14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.1 John 3:19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.Isaiah 55:4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.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;1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Historical Context
Pilate's cynical response (v. 38), 'What is truth?', reflects Roman pragmatism that valued power over principle. Greek philosophy debated truth's nature; Christ claims to embody it (14:6). This confrontation shows the gospel dividing people.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see Christ's kingdom advancing through truth in a world that denies absolute truth?
- What does it mean practically to be 'of the truth' in contemporary society?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ affirms His kingship while defining its purpose: 'to this end was I born...that I should bear witness unto the truth.' His kingdom is built on truth, not power. 'Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice' divides humanity into two groups: truth-lovers who recognize Christ's voice, and truth-rejecters who don't. This explains why some believe and others don't—it's a matter of spiritual orientation toward truth.