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John 19:22

John 19:22 in Multiple Translations

Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

But Pilate made answer, What I have put in writing will not be changed.

Pilate replied, “What I have written I have written.”

Pilate answered, What I haue written, I haue written.

Pilate answered, 'What I have written, I have written.'

Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.

Pilate answered: What I have written, I have written.

Pilate replied, “What I told them to write is what they have written, and I will not change it.”

But Pilate said, “No, I will not change what I wrote.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 19:22

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John 19:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK απεκριθη ο πιλατος ο γεγραφα γεγραφα
απεκριθη apokrinō G611 to answer Verb-ADI-3S
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
πιλατος Pilatos G4091 Pilate Noun-NSM
ο hos, hē G3739 which Rel-ASN
γεγραφα graphō G1125 to write Verb-2RAI-1S
γεγραφα graphō G1125 to write Verb-2RAI-1S
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Greek Word Reference — John 19:22

απεκριθη apokrinō G611 "to answer" Verb-ADI-3S
To answer or respond, as in Matthew 27:12 and Mark 14:61, where Jesus answers the high priest. It can also mean to begin speaking or to give a reply. The KJV translates it as 'answer'.
Definition: ἀποκρίνω, ἀποκρίνομαι, [in LXX chiefly for ענה ;] in cl., __1. to separate, distinguish. __2. to choose. Mid., to answer: Mat.27:12, Mrk.14:61, Luk.3:16 23:9, Jhn.5:17, 19 Act.3:12. In late Gk. the pass, also is used in this sense, and pass. forms are the more frequently in NT (M, Pr., 39, 161; MM, see word); __(a) in general sense: absol., Mrk.12:34; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.22:46; with dative of person(s), Mat.12:38; before πρός, Act.25:16; __(b) Hebraistically __(i) like ענה, to begin to speak, take up the conversation (Kennedy, Sources, 124f.): Mat.11:25, al., __(ii) redundant, as in the Heb. phrase וַיַּעַן וַיּאֹמֶר (Dalman, Words, 24f., 38; M, Pr., 14; Bl., §58, 4; 74, 2; Cremer, 374): ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπε, Mat.4:4; ἔφη, 8:8; λέγει, Mrk.3:33; in Jo most frequently (ἀπεκ. κ. εἶπε, 1:49. ) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 246 NT verses. KJV: answer See also: Acts 3:12; Luke 1:35; Matthew 13:37.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πιλατος Pilatos G4091 "Pilate" Noun-NSM
Pilate was a Roman leader who played a key role in the New Testament, particularly in the trials of Jesus. He is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Pilate's story is significant in the Bible.
Definition: Πειλᾶτος (Rec. Πιλάτος, Tr., -ᾶτος, see WH, App., 155), -ου, ὁ, Pontius Pilate: Mat.27:2, Mrk.15:1, Luk.3:1, Jhn.18:29, Act.3:13, 1Ti.6:13, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 53 NT verses. KJV: Pilate See also: 1 Timothy 6:13; Luke 23:3; Matthew 27:65.
ο hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-ASN
The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.
Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.
γεγραφα graphō G1125 "to write" Verb-2RAI-1S
This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.
Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.
γεγραφα graphō G1125 "to write" Verb-2RAI-1S
This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.
Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.

Study Notes — John 19:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 76:10 Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.
2 Psalms 65:7 You stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.
3 Proverbs 8:29 when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.
4 Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”
5 Genesis 43:14 May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”
6 John 19:12 From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

John 19:22 Summary

[Pilate's statement 'What I have written, I have written' shows that he was firm in his decision and would not change it, even when the chief priests asked him to. This is similar to how God's Word is unchanging and true, as seen in Psalm 119:160 and Isaiah 40:8. Pilate's response teaches us about the importance of standing firm in our convictions and decisions, even when faced with opposition. By looking at this verse, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and plan, just like Jesus did, as seen in John 18:36 and Luke 22:42.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pilate refuse to change the inscription on the cross?

Pilate refused to change the inscription because he saw it as a matter of record and truth, much like the importance of written testimony in the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:16.

What is the significance of Pilate's statement 'What I have written, I have written'?

Pilate's statement signifies his final decision and authority in the matter, much like the finality of God's written Word, as seen in Psalm 119:89 and Isaiah 40:8.

How does this verse relate to the theme of Jesus' identity as the King of the Jews?

This verse highlights the significance of Jesus' identity as the King of the Jews, which was a central aspect of His mission and message, as seen in John 18:36 and Luke 19:38.

What can we learn from Pilate's response to the chief priests' request?

We can learn about the importance of standing firm in our convictions and decisions, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Acts 4:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Pilate's response reveal about his character and values?
  2. How does this verse relate to the concept of truth and authority in our lives?
  3. What can we learn from the chief priests' attempt to alter the inscription on the cross?
  4. How does this verse impact our understanding of Jesus' identity and mission?

Gill's Exposition on John 19:22

Pilate answered, what I have written I have written,.... He seems to say this, as one angry and displeased with them; either because they would not consent to release Jesus, which he was desirous of,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 19:22

Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 19:22

But Pilate refuseth to gratify them, and lets them know he would not be directed by them what to write, nor alter any thing of it.

Trapp's Commentary on John 19:22

22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Ver. 22. What I have written, I have written] i.e. I am unchangeably resolved it shall stand. So God saith, I am that I am; that is, I am yesterday, and today, and the same for ever. Learn we may of Pilate to be constant to a good cause. Marcellus the pope would not change his name, according to the custom, to show his immutability, that he was no changeling. Non retractat homo profanus, quod, vere licet, sine mente et consilio de Christo scripsit. Cal.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 19:22

Verse 22. What I have written, I have written.] That is, I will not alter what I have written. The Roman laws forbad the sentence to be altered when once pronounced; and as this inscription was considered as the sentence pronounced against our Lord, therefore, it could not be changed: but this form of speech is common in the Jewish writings, and means simply, what is done shall continue. Pilate seems to speak prophetically. This is the king of the Jews: they shall have no other Messiah for ever.

Cambridge Bible on John 19:22

22. Pilate answered] His answer illustrates the mixture of obstinacy and relentlessness, which Philo says was characteristic of him. His own interests are not at stake, so he will have his way: where he had anything to fear or to gain he could be supple enough. A shrewd, practical man of the world, with all a Roman official’s contemptuous impartiality and severity, and all the disbelief in truth and disinterestedness which the age had taught him, he seems to have been one of the many whose self-interest is stronger than their convictions, and who can walk uprightly when to do so is easy, but fail in the presence of danger and difficulty.

Whedon's Commentary on John 19:22

22. I have written—In the true style of an imperious Roman. He at once displays his arbitrary authority, maintains an immovable record, and attains a complete triumph over these Jews.

Sermons on John 19:22

SermonDescription
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 57 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as God with the Father and Man with us, seated at the right hand of the Fathe
John Hames Conscience, Record and Judgment by John Hames John Hames preaches on the importance of conscience, record, and judgment as highlighted in Acts 24:16, St. John 19:22, and Ecclesiastes 12:14. He emphasizes how conscience, as the
Kevin Meador Praying in Times of Crises by Kevin Meador Kevin Meador preaches on seeking God in the midst of a crisis, emphasizing the importance of realizing our helplessness, committing ourselves to seeking the Lord, focusing on God's
C.H. Spurgeon Dauntless Faith by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the concept of 'Dauntless Faith' in his sermon, drawing from Acts 18:10, where God assures Paul of His protection while he carries out His work in Corinth.
Walter Beuttler Esther, the Power of Divine Providence by Walter Beuttler Walter Beuttler preaches on the power of God's providence as seen in the Book of Esther, where God's hand is evident despite His name not being mentioned. The sermon emphasizes how
Miles J. Stanford Manually Controlled by Miles J. Stanford Miles J. Stanford preaches about the sovereignty of God, emphasizing that despite the world's evil and rebellion, God's rule remains absolute, bringing relief and rest to the Chris
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 77 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the Psalms, interpreting the congregation as those who leap over to reach Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking God for Himself and not j

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