Luke 23:3
New International Version
So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

New Living Translation
So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.”

English Standard Version
And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”

Berean Standard Bible
So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And answering him, He was saying, "You say."

King James Bible
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

New King James Version
Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”

New American Standard Bible
Now Pilate asked Him, saying, “So You are the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”

NASB 1995
So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”

NASB 1977
And Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “You yourself say it.”

Amplified Bible
So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him, “It is just as you say.”

Christian Standard Bible
So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews? ” He answered him, “You say so.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You have said it.”

American Standard Version
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest.

Contemporary English Version
Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Those are your words," Jesus answered.

English Revised Version
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, I am," Jesus answered.

Good News Translation
Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "So you say," answered Jesus.

International Standard Version
Then Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He answered, "You say so."

Majority Standard Bible
So Pilate asked Him, ?Are You the King of the Jews?? ?You have said so,? Jesus replied.

NET Bible
So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He replied, "You say so."

New Heart English Bible
Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "You say so."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

Weymouth New Testament
Then Pilate asked Him, "You, then, are the King of the Jews?" "It is as you say," He replied.

World English Bible
Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Pilate questioned Him, saying, “You are the King of the Jews?” And He answering him, said, “You say [it].”

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And answering him, He was saying, "You say."

Young's Literal Translation
And Pilate questioned him, saying, 'Thou art the king of the Jews?' and he answering him, said, 'Thou dost say it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou King of the Jews? And he having answered, said to him, Thou sayest.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Pilate asked him, saying: Art thou the king of the Jews? But he answering, said: Thou sayest it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Pilate questioned him, saying: “You are the king of the Jews?” But in response, he said: “You are saying it.”

New American Bible
Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Pilate asked him and said, Are you the king of the Jews? He said to him, You say that.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then Pilate asked him and he said to him, “You are The King of the Judeans?” He said to him, “You have said.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Pilate asked him, saying: Are you the king of the Jews? He answered and said to him: You say it.

Godbey New Testament
And Pilate asked Him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And responding to him, He said, Thou sayest it.

Haweis New Testament
Then Pilate interrogated him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said to him, Thou sayest so.

Mace New Testament
then Pilate ask'd him, art thou the king of the Jews? Jesus answer'd him, 'tis as you say.

Weymouth New Testament
Then Pilate asked Him, "You, then, are the King of the Jews?" "It is as you say," He replied.

Worrell New Testament
And Pilate asked Him, saying, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?" And He, answering, said to him, "You say it."

Worsley New Testament
And Pilate asked Him, saying, Art thou the king of the Jews? And He answered him and said, I am as thou sayest.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Before Pilate
2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” 3So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”…

Cross References
John 18:33-37
Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” / “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” / “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” ...

Matthew 27:11
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

Mark 15:2
So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

John 19:9-11
and he went back into the Praetorium. “Where are You from?” he asked. But Jesus gave no answer. / So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Matthew 2:2
asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

John 1:49
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

John 12:13
They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

Acts 17:7
and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”

1 Timothy 6:13
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.

Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Psalm 2:6
“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”

Psalm 110:1-2
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” / The LORD extends Your mighty scepter from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Pilate asked him, saying, Are you the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, You say it.

Pilate.

Matthew 27:11
And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

Mark 15:2
And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.

John 18:33-37
Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? …

the King.

Luke 23:38
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Luke 1:32,33
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: …

Luke 19:38-40
Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest…

he answered.

1 Timothy 6:13
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

Thou sayest it.

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Demanded It' Jesus Jews Pilate Questioned
Luke 23
1. Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod.
8. Herod mocks him.
12. Herod and Pilate become friends.
13. Barabbas is desired of the people,
24. and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified.
26. He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;
34. prays for his enemies.
39. Two criminals are crucified with him.
46. His death.
50. His burial.














So Pilate asked Him
The phrase begins with Pilate, the Roman governor, who held the authority to judge Jesus. Pilate's role is crucial as he represents the Roman political power. Historically, Pilate was known for his harsh rule, yet here he is depicted as somewhat hesitant. The Greek verb "asked" (ἐπηρώτησεν) implies a formal inquiry, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Pilate's questioning reflects the tension between Roman authority and the Jewish leaders' accusations.

Are You the King of the Jews?
This question is central to the trial of Jesus. The title "King of the Jews" is politically charged, suggesting a challenge to Roman authority. In the Jewish context, it evokes messianic expectations. The Greek word for "king" (βασιλεύς) denotes a ruler with sovereign power. Pilate's question is both a legal inquiry and a theological challenge, probing whether Jesus claims a kingship that threatens Roman rule.

'You have said so,'
Jesus' response is enigmatic and profound. The phrase "You have said so" (Σὺ λέγεις) is a common Jewish idiom that neither confirms nor denies the statement directly. It places the responsibility of the claim back on Pilate. This response highlights Jesus' wisdom and composure under pressure. It also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, where the Messiah is described as silent before His accusers, emphasizing His role as the suffering servant.

Jesus replied
The act of replying signifies Jesus' willingness to engage with Pilate, despite the gravity of the situation. The Greek verb "replied" (ἀπεκρίθη) suggests a thoughtful and deliberate response. Jesus' reply is not just a defense but a revelation of His identity and mission. It underscores His sovereignty and the divine plan unfolding through His trial and crucifixion. Jesus' calm demeanor in the face of false accusations serves as an example of faith and trust in God's purpose.

(3) Thou sayest it.--Here, as in Luke 22:70 and Matthew 26:64, the formula is one of confession. The fuller narrative of St. John should be compared throughout.

Verse 3. - And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? Pilate then went again into his judgment-hall, where he had left Jesus, but before going back he could not resist addressing an ironical word to the accusing Jews: "Take ye him, and judge him according to your Law" (John 18:31), to which the Sanhedrists replied that they were not allowed to put any man to death, thus publicly confessing the state of comparative impotence to which they were now reduced, and also revealing their deadly purpose in the case of Jesus. Pilate, having gone into the judgment-hall again, proceeds to interrogate Jesus. The first two accusations he passes over, seeing clearly that they were baseless. The third, however, struck him. Art thou, poor, friendless, powerless Man, the King I have been hearing about? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. St. Luke gives only this bare summary of the examination, in which the prisoner Jesus simply replies "Yes," he was the King. St. John (John 18:33-38) gives us a more full and detailed account. It is more than probable that John was present during the interrogatory. In the sublime answers of the Lord, his words explanatory of the nature of his kingdom, which "is not of this world," struck Pilate and decided him to give the reply we find in the next verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Pilate
Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.

asked
ἠρώτησεν (ērōtēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2065: Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.

Him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Are
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

You
Σὺ (Sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

King
Βασιλεὺς (Basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews?”
Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

“You
Σὺ (Sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

have said [so],”
λέγεις (legeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

[Jesus] replied.
ἀποκριθεὶς (apokritheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.


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