John 19:3
And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
! and
G2532
καὶ
! and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Χαῖρε
Hail
G5463
Χαῖρε
Hail
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
3 of 11
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
! and
G2532
καὶ
! and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐδίδουν
they smote
G1325
ἐδίδουν
they smote
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
9 of 11
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Historical Context
Roman soldiers were hardened professionals, often recruited from provinces and brutalized by military culture. Mockery of condemned prisoners was standard practice—a form of psychological torture preceding execution. The soldiers' treatment of Jesus reflects systematic dehumanization inherent in imperial military apparatus. Their Jewish-specific mockery ("King of the Jews") suggests awareness of the religious-political tensions in occupied Judea.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the soldiers' unwitting proclamation of truth ("Hail, King!") while intending mockery reveal God's sovereignty over human evil?
- What does Jesus's refusal to retaliate teach about the nature of true power and kingdom authority?
- In what ways do you mockingly acknowledge Christ's lordship in areas where you refuse to submit?
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Analysis & Commentary
Hail, King of the Jews! (Χαῖρε, ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων)—The greeting chaire (hail, rejoice) parodies the imperial salutation "Ave, Caesar!" Each mocking hail was accompanied by blows—they smote him with their hands (ἐδίδοσαν αὐτῷ ῥαπίσματα). The Greek rapisma denotes striking with fists or rods, fulfilling Isaiah 50:6: "I gave my back to the smiters...I hid not my face from shame and spitting."
The soldiers unwittingly proclaim truth while intending blasphemy. Jesus IS King—not just of Jews but of creation. Their mockery becomes involuntary worship, their theater of cruelty becomes divine revelation. This scene exposes sin's full malignancy: humans torturing incarnate Love. Yet Christ's silence and submission (1 Peter 2:23: "when he was reviled, reviled not again") demonstrate the invincible power of self-giving love over coercive violence.