Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

JOHN 19:4KJV
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John 19:4 (KJV)

What does John 19:4 mean?

John 19:4 describes the Roman governor Pilate bringing Jesus out to the people while declaring that he has found no reason to charge him. Pilate presents his judgment publicly, even though Jesus has just been whipped and mocked by soldiers.

Pilate says he is bringing Jesus out “that ye may know” his finding. The words show that Pilate wants the people outside to hear his judgment for themselves. The crowd’s response in verse 6 shows that Pilate’s announcement did not end the dispute.

The Greek behind John 19:4

  • “fault” — αἰτία (aitia): The word can mean a charge or a cause for accusation. Here it points to a reason for a legal charge, rather than simply an ordinary personal failing.
  • “find” — εὑρίσκω (heuriskō): The word carries the sense of discovering or finding something. Pilate presents the absence of a charge as the result of his own examination.

Why John 19:4 matters

  • Pilate’s statement stands beside Jesus’ harsh treatment. In the preceding verses, Pilate has Jesus whipped, and the soldiers put a crown of thorns and a purple robe on him.
  • Pilate’s finding does not settle the matter with the chief priests and officers. In verse 6, they call for Jesus to be crucified, while Pilate repeats that he finds no fault in him.
  • Pilate has already announced the same finding before. In John 18:38, he tells the people that he finds no fault in Jesus, so the words in John 19:4 return to a judgment he has previously made public.

Where else these words appear

“fault” Greek G156 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
  • John 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
  • Acts 25:27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

“Behold” Greek G2396 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
  • Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
  • John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

“Pilate” Greek G4091 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
  • John 18:37 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.

“forth” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.