John 19:16
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
παρέδωκεν
delivered he
G3860
παρέδωκεν
delivered he
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
3 of 13
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
αὐτοῖς
him
G846
αὐτοῖς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 13
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
αὐτοῖς
him
G846
αὐτοῖς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
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
σταυρωθῇ
be crucified
G4717
σταυρωθῇ
be crucified
Strong's:
G4717
Word #:
7 of 13
to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness
Παρέλαβον
they took
G3880
Παρέλαβον
they took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
8 of 13
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion protocol required the condemned to carry the patibulum (crossbeam) through public streets to the execution site. This served as deterrent—showing Rome's power and the consequences of opposing it. That Jesus initially carried His own cross (v.17) fulfilled Isaac's carrying wood for his own sacrifice (Genesis 22:6), until Simon of Cyrene was pressed into service (Matthew 27:32).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the chain of human 'delivering' and 'handing over' reveal our collective guilt in Christ's death?
- What does it mean that Jesus was simultaneously passively acted upon (delivered, led) and actively accomplishing His mission?
- When you trace the Via Dolorosa narratively, whose sins put Jesus on that path?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified (τότε οὖν παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν αὐτοῖς ἵνα σταυρωθῇ/tote oun paredōken auton autois hina staurōthē)—the verb paredōken (delivered, handed over) echoes throughout the passion narrative. Judas delivered Jesus to the priests (18:2), the priests delivered Him to Pilate (18:35), now Pilate delivers Him to crucifixion. The chain of human betrayal serves divine purpose.
The passive voice staurōthē (to be crucified) indicates Jesus is the object of others' actions, yet John's Gospel makes clear Jesus lays down His life voluntarily (10:18). They took Jesus, and led him away (παρέλαβον οὖν τὸν Ἰησοῦν/parelabon oun ton Iēsoun)—the Via Dolorosa begins. He who led Israel through the wilderness is now led to slaughter. He who is the Way is led along the way of the cross.