John 19:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λογὸν,
saying
G3056
λογὸν,
saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 23
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἤγαγεν
he brought
G71
ἤγαγεν
he brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκάθισεν
sat down
G2523
ἐκάθισεν
sat down
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
13 of 23
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βήματος
the judgment seat
G968
βήματος
the judgment seat
Strong's:
G968
Word #:
16 of 23
a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τόπον
a place
G5117
τόπον
a place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
18 of 23
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
λεγόμενον
that is called
G3004
λεγόμενον
that is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Λιθόστρωτον
the Pavement
G3038
Λιθόστρωτον
the Pavement
Strong's:
G3038
Word #:
20 of 23
stone-strewed, i.e., a tessellated mosaic on which the roman tribunal was placed
Historical Context
The Lithostrōton (stone pavement) has been identified by some archaeologists with a large paved area uncovered beneath the Sisters of Zion Convent in Jerusalem, though this identification is debated. Roman governors typically rendered judgment from an elevated platform to display imperial authority. Pilate's public bēma judgment made the verdict official and irrevocable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the historical specificity of the gospel accounts strengthen faith in their reliability?
- What is the significance of Jesus being condemned at an earthly judgment seat before presiding at the eternal one?
- When we compromise truth under public pressure, who is really on trial—the accused or ourselves?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pilate brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat (ἤγαγεν ἔξω τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐπὶ βήματος/ēgagen exō ton Iēsoun, kai ekathisen epi bēmatos)—the bēma was the elevated tribunal from which Roman governors pronounced official verdicts. The location is specified: the Pavement (Λιθόστρωτον/Lithostrōton), in Hebrew Gabbatha (Γαββαθα/Gabbatha), meaning 'elevated place' or 'stone pavement.'
Archaeological evidence suggests this was a massive stone platform near the Antonia Fortress. John's bilingual precision (Greek and Hebrew/Aramaic names) grounds the narrative in historical reality—this happened at a specific, identifiable location. The irony is cosmic: at this 'judgment seat,' the true Judge stands condemned by those He will one day judge (Acts 17:31). The temporary tribunal becomes a signpost to the eternal one.