John 18:39

39 But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the Pasch. Will you, therefore, that I release unto you the king of the Jews?

John 18:39 Meaning and Commentary

John 18:39

But ye have a custom
Not a law, either of God or man's, but a custom; and which was not originally observed at the feast of the passover, and perhaps was not of any long standing; but what the Roman governors, by the order of Caesar, or of their own pleasure, had introduced to ingratiate themselves into the affections of the people; and being repeated once and again, was now looked for: that I should release unto you one at the passover;
which was at this time; and more than one it seems it was not customary, to release: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
who they had said called himself so, and was so accounted by others, and which Pilate says, in a sneering, sarcastic way; though he was heartily willing to release him, and was in hopes they would have agreed to it, since nothing could be proved against him; however, he proposes it to them, and leaves it to their option.

John 18:39 In-Context

37 Pilate therefore said to him: Art thou a king then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a king. For this was I born, and for this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

38 Pilate saith to him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: I find no cause in him.

39 But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the Pasch. Will you, therefore, that I release unto you the king of the Jews?

40 Then cried they all again, saying: Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.