John 19:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
And from
G1537
ἐκ
And from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐζήτει
sought
G2212
ἐζήτει
sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
3 of 28
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπολύσῃς
go
G630
ἀπολύσῃς
go
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
6 of 28
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 28
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔκραζον
cried out
G2896
ἔκραζον
cried out
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
11 of 28
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐὰν
If
G1437
Ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
13 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἀπολύσῃς
go
G630
ἀπολύσῃς
go
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
15 of 28
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
φίλος
friend
G5384
φίλος
friend
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
18 of 28
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλέα
a king
G935
βασιλέα
a king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
23 of 28
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
24 of 28
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
ποιῶν
maketh
G4160
ποιῶν
maketh
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
25 of 28
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Historical Context
Tiberius Caesar (AD 14-37) was paranoid and ruthless regarding treason. Pilate already had a troubled relationship with the Jews (see Luke 13:1) and couldn't afford another complaint to Rome. The title 'friend of Caesar' represented real political capital. Later sources suggest Pilate was eventually recalled to Rome and died in disgrace—the very fate he tried to avoid by condemning Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- When has fear of losing status, position, or security led you to compromise truth?
- How do we recognize when legitimate concerns (job security, reputation) become idols that override obedience?
- What does Pilate's repeated seeking without acting reveal about intention versus decision?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
From thenceforth Pilate sought to release him (ἐκ τούτου ὁ Πιλᾶτος ἐζήτει ἀπολῦσαι αὐτόν/ek toutou ho Pilatos ezētei apolysai auton)—Jesus's words briefly stir Pilate's conscience. The imperfect tense ezētei (was seeking) indicates ongoing, repeated attempts. Yet seeking isn't the same as doing.
The Jews' counterthrust is politically brilliant: Thou art not Caesar's friend (οὐκ εἶ φίλος τοῦ Καίσαρος/ouk ei philos tou Kaisaros). 'Friend of Caesar' (amicus Caesaris) was a formal title indicating imperial favor. To lose it meant losing power, position, possibly life. The threat is unmistakable: tolerate this 'king' and we'll report you as tolerating treason.
Whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar invokes Roman law against maiestas (treason). By framing Jesus as a political rival to Caesar, they force Pilate's hand. Political calculation conquers conscience. Pilate chooses Caesar over Christ, temporal security over eternal truth—a choice millions repeat.