PrevJohn 18:36Next

John 18

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:

That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

What does John 18:36 mean?

Explanation

John 18:36 reveals a portion of Jesus' discussion with Pilate, the Roman governor, during his trial before the crucifixion.

Jesus responds to Pilate's question about his kingship, emphasizing that his reign is not based on worldly power or politics.

The literal meaning of the verse is that Jesus' kingdom does not originate or operate according to the principles of earthly kingdoms, where physical force and political maneuvering are used to maintain control.

The deeper meaning suggests that the nature of Jesus' kingdom is spiritual rather than physical, and it operates on a different plane than human government - it's not constrained by geography, ethnicity, or military might, but defined by truth, love, and eternal principles.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the narrative of Jesus' arrest and trial, which took place around A.D. 30-33.

Jesus, a Jewish preacher and healer, had been arrested by the Jewish authorities for blasphemy and taken to Pilate for sentencing, as only the Roman authorities could sanction a death penalty.

The Jews accused Jesus of claiming to be the King of the Jews, a title that suggested political rebellion against Roman rule.

Pilate's primary concern was whether Jesus was a political insurgent.

Jesus clarifies that his kingship does not threaten Roman authority because it is not of this world.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights the distinction between earthly and divine authority. In Christian thought, Jesus' statement is seen as an affirmation of the spiritual nature of his mission and kingdom.

It suggests that the kingdom of God is not about earthly power but about transforming hearts and lives through faith.

It also indicates that Jesus' followers are not to use violence to advance their cause, setting a tone for pacifism in some Christian traditions.

Contrarily, some theologians have interpreted this to mean that Christians can engage in political systems but should not rely on them to advance the kingdom of God.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, John 18:36 can encourage believers to focus on the spiritual aspects of their faith rather than seek power through worldly means.

It reassures that being part of Jesus' kingdom may not always align with societal expectations or governmental structures.

In daily life, this verse may encourage Christians to be peacemakers, to show love to their enemies, and to live by principles that transcend cultural or political trends.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Philippians 3:20: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:3-4: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"
Luke 17:21: "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek of this verse include:

"Kingdom" (basileia): Typically refers to a sovereign rule and the realm over which a king reigns.

In the New Testament, it often pertains to God's reign.

"World" (kosmos): Denotes the orderly, arranged system of things, often the Earth or the universe as a whole.

In this context, it implies the societal and political order of human civilization.

"Fight" (agōnizomai): Conveys the sense of struggling or fighting, often used in military contexts, but also in athletic competition and general conflict.

Understanding these words in their original language provides a deeper grasp of the metaphorical distance between Jesus' kingdom and earthly political systems.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other ancient cultures also distinguished between earthly and heavenly realms, often with gods ruling in a transcendent, spiritual space.

However, many of these myths involved gods who actively shaped political events and endorsed the rule of earthly kings.

In contrast, Jesus' kingdom is marked by its separation from those politics and power struggles. Comparisons can also be made with Eastern religious philosophies, like Buddhism, which emphasize detachment from worldly affairs.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, this verse does not directly intersect with any empirical claims about the physical world because it speaks to a concept that is fundamentally non-material.

However, understanding the nature of the various interpretations of kingdoms and domains can inform philosophical discussions about the relationships between reality, perception, and value, which are relevant topics in the philosophy of science.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries provide diverse interpretations of John 18:36.

Some see it as a refutation of theocratic governments, suggesting that Jesus denies any form of earthly political theocracy.

Others consider it an indication that Jesus' message is one of spiritual transformation versus socio-political revolution.

Still, some argue that this concept sets the groundwork for the separation of church and state, where Jesus' followers live within the world but are not of the world in their ultimate allegiance.

Commentators often view this verse as crucial in understanding the nature of Christian discipleship and the true essence of the Kingdom of God as taught by Jesus.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 18:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?