John 19:9
And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πραιτώριον
the judgment hall
G4232
πραιτώριον
the judgment hall
Strong's:
G4232
Word #:
5 of 20
the praetorium or governor's courtroom (sometimes including the whole edifice and camp)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
6 of 20
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Πόθεν
Whence
G4159
Πόθεν
Whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
11 of 20
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
16 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Historical Context
In Roman judicial proceedings, refusing to answer could be taken as contempt of court. Yet Pilate doesn't press the issue, perhaps because Jesus's silence unnerves him more than words would. The fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7 connects Jesus's silence to the Suffering Servant prophecy, which Isaiah's original audience would have understood as Israel's substitutionary sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between seeking truth to know it versus seeking truth to avoid it?
- When might God's silence be a form of judgment on those who have repeatedly rejected His word?
- How does Jesus's selective speech—engaging some questions while leaving others unanswered—model wisdom in hostile contexts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Pilate's question, Whence art thou? (πόθεν εἶ σύ/pothen ei sy), probes Jesus's origin—earthly or heavenly? It's the right question, asked too late and without genuine seeking. But Jesus gave him no answer (Ἰησοῦς ἀπόκρισιν οὐκ ἔδωκεν/Iēsous apokrisin ouk edōken) recalls Isaiah 53:7—'as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.'
Jesus's silence is sovereign, not sullen. He had already answered Pilate directly (18:36-37); Pilate had heard truth and rejected it. Christ does not cast pearls before those who trample them (Matthew 7:6). There comes a point when silence becomes judgment, when God gives people over to their chosen path (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). Pilate wanted answers without commitment, truth without cost—and received silence.