John 19:9

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

And went again into the judgment hall, and said to Jesus, From where are you? But Jesus gave him no answer.

American King James Version (AKJV)

And went again into the judgment hall, and said to Jesus, From where are you? But Jesus gave him no answer.

American Standard Version (ASV)

and he entered into the Praetorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

And he went again into the Praetorium and said to Jesus, Where do you come from? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Webster's Revision

And went again into the judgment-hall, and saith to Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

World English Bible

He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer.

English Revised Version (ERV)

and he entered into the palace again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Definitions for John 19:9

Art - "Are"; second person singular.
Whence - From where.

Clarke's John 19:9 Bible Commentary

Whence art thou? - This certainly does not mean, From what country art thou? for Pilate knew this well enough; but it appears he made this inquiry to know who were the parents of Christ; what were his pretensions, and whether he really were a demigod, such as the heathens believed in. To this question we find our Lord gave no answer. He had already told him that his kingdom was not of this world; and that he came to erect a spiritual kingdom, not a temporal one: John 18:36, John 18:37. This answer he deemed sufficient; and he did not choose to satisfy a criminal curiosity, nor to enter then into any debate concerning the absurdity of the heathen worship.

Barnes's John 19:9 Bible Commentary

Whence art thou? - See the notes at John 7:27. Pilate knew that he was a Galilean, but this question was asked to ascertain whether he claimed to be the Son of God - whether a mere man, or whether divine.

Jesus gave him no answer - Probably for the following reasons:

1. Jesus had already told Pilate Jesus' design, and the nature of his kingdom, John 18:36-37.

2. Jesus had said enough to satisfy Pilate of Jesus' innocence. Of that Pilate was convinced. Pilate's duty was clear, and if he had had firmness to do it, he would not have asked this. Jesus, by his silence, therefore rebuked Pilate for his lack of firmness, and his unwillingness to do what his conscience told him was right.

3. It is not probable that Pilate would have understood Jesus if Jesus had declared to Pilate the truth about Jesus' origin, and about his being the Son of God.

4. After what had been done - after he had satisfied Pilate of his innocence, and then had been beaten and mocked by his permission he had no reason to expect justice at his hands, and therefore properly declined to make any further defense. By this the prophecy Isaiah 53:7 was remarkably fulfilled.

Wesley's John 19:9 Bible Commentary

19:9 Whence art thou? - That is, whose son art thou?