Giovanni 18:39

39 Ma voi avete l’usanza ch’io vi liberi uno per la Pasqua; volete dunque che vi liberi il Re de’ Giudei?

Giovanni 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.

Giovanni 18:39 In-Context

37 Allora Pilato gli disse: Ma dunque, sei tu re? Gesù rispose: Tu lo dici; io sono re; io sono nato per questo, e per questo son venuto nel mondo, per testimoniare della verità. Chiunque è per la verità ascolta la mia voce.

38 Pilato gli disse: Che cos’è verità? E detto questo, uscì di nuovo verso i Giudei, e disse loro: Io non trovo alcuna colpa in lui.

39 Ma voi avete l’usanza ch’io vi liberi uno per la Pasqua; volete dunque che vi liberi il Re de’ Giudei?

40 Allora gridaron di nuovo: Non costui, ma Barabba! Or Barabba era un ladrone.