Verse MeaningJohnComplex verse
John 18:37: Meaning Explained
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, ‹Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was...
John 18:37
“Pilate said to him, "So you are a king then?" Jesus replied, "You say that I am a king. I was born for this, and I came into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."”
What Does This Verse Mean?
Pilate asked if Jesus is a king. Jesus said: I came to tell the truth.
What’s Happening Here
Jesus clarifies that he is a king of truth.
Key Words
TestifyTo tell the truth about
Why It Matters
This verse matters today because it shifts the focus of power from earthly political authority to spiritual truth, inviting people to consider what 'truth' they follow and whose 'voice' they listen to in a world of many conflicting messages.
Did You Know?
In the original Greek, the word for 'truth' (aletheia) in this verse implies a reality that is unhidden or fully disclosed, emphasizing Jesus's role as one who reveals ultimate reality.
Word Study
G2036
saidεἶπεν
G3767
thereforeοὖν
G846
unto himαὐτῷ
G4091
PilateΠιλᾶτος
G3766
thenΟὐκοῦν
G935
a kingβασιλεύς
G1488
Artεἶ
G4771
ThouΣὺ
G611
answeredἀπεκρίθη
G2424
JesusἸησοῦς
G3004
sayestλέγεις
G3754
thatὅτι
G1510
amεἰμι
G1473
Iἐγὼ
G1519
Toεἰς
G5124
thisτοῦτο
G1080
bornγεγέννημαι
G2532
andκαὶ
G2064
cause came Iἐλήλυθα
G2889
the worldκόσμον
G2443
thatἵνα
G3140
I should bear witnessμαρτυρήσω
G225
the truthἀληθείας
G3956
Every oneπᾶς
G5607
that isὢν
G1537
ofἐκ
G191
hearethἀκούει
G3450
myμου
G5456
voiceφωνῆς
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read John 18:37 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.