John 19:5
Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
φορῶν
wearing
G5409
φορῶν
wearing
Strong's:
G5409
Word #:
6 of 19
to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στέφανον
the crown
G4735
στέφανον
the crown
Strong's:
G4735
Word #:
9 of 19
a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
Pilate saith
G3004
λέγει
Pilate saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 19
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
Ἴδε
G1492
Ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
17 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Cross References
John 19:2And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.Isaiah 40:9O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Historical Context
Roman scourging was brutal, often fatal. The purple robe and crown mocked Jesus' kingship claims. Pilate hoped the Jews would be satisfied by Jesus' humiliation, but they demanded crucifixion (v. 6), proving their hatred.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeing Christ's willingness to endure such suffering and shame affect your love for Him?
- What does Christ's silent endurance teach about responding to unjust treatment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pilate presents the scourged, mocked, thorn-crowned Christ with 'Behold the man'—words dripping with irony. Pilate means to evoke pity (this broken man is no threat), but John intends deeper meaning: this IS the Man, the Second Adam, the Son of Man, bearing humanity's sin and shame. The crown of thorns reverses Eden's curse (Genesis 3:18). Christ's humiliation is His glorification—through suffering He redeems.