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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 18:36 - 18:36
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
My kingdom (hē basileia hē emē). Christ claims to be king to Pilate, but of a peculiar kingdom. For “world” (kosmou) see Joh 17:13-18.
My servants (hoi hupēretai hoi emoi). For the word see Joh 18:3 where it means the temple police or guards (literally, under-rowers). In the lxx always (Prov 14:35; Isaiah 32:5; Dan 3:46) officers of a king as here. Christ then had only a small band of despised followers who could not fight against Caesar. Was he alluding also to legions of angels on his side? (Mat 26:56).
Would fight (ēgōnizonto an). Imperfect middle of agōnizomai common verb (only here in John, but see 1Co 9:25) from agōn (contest) with an, a conclusion of the second-class condition (assumed as untrue). Christians should never forget the profound truth stated here by Jesus.
That I should not be delivered (hina mē paradothō). Negative final clause with hina mē and first aorist passive subjunctive of paradidōmi (see Joh 18:28, Joh 18:36). Jesus expects Pilate to surrender to the Jews.
But now (nun de). In contrast to the condition already stated as in Joh 8:40; Joh 9:41; Joh 15:22, Joh 15:24.