Definition: Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important passage from John 19:11. It’s a complex verse, but we can understand its core meaning in simpler terms. Here's what it says: “Jesus answered, ‘Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.’” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Thou couldest have no power..." : This is the starting point. Jesus is saying that before he was crucified, before anyone could stop him or take him away, he had power – a significant amount of power over people and events. He had control, influence, and the ability to do whatever he wanted. "...except it were given thee from above" : This is the crucial part. Jesus is emphasizing that this power wasn’t freely granted to him. It wasn't something he deserved or earned. It was a gift, a divine blessing, from someone else – God Himself! "...therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." : This is where it gets really powerful. Jesus is saying that because he had this power, and because he was given it by God, he has committed a greater sin. It’s not just about him being powerless; it's about his position of authority and privilege – the fact that he was given such control by God makes it a much more serious thing to do. So, what does this mean? The verse speaks to Jesus’ unique relationship with God. He wasn’t just human; he was divine in some way. This divine nature gave him power, and this power made him capable of great things – but it also made him responsible for the consequences of those actions. It's a powerful statement about: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control, and we are subject to His will. Responsibility: God grants certain gifts, and with those gifts comes responsibility. The nature of power: Power isn’t always good or neutral; it can be a source of great potential for both good and evil. Important Note: This passage is complex and has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries. It's often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ suffering and death, but also as a statement about God’s plan for humanity. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further with more examples? Discuss its significance within the context of biblical history? Answer any specific questions you have about it?