Definition: But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from John 19:15. It’s a really powerful and complex verse that deals with the death of Jesus. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was crucified – meaning he was nailed to a cross – by the Roman authorities, led by Pilate. Pilate asked, "Shall I crucify your King?" (This is a really important question!) What’s Happening in the Verse? “But they cried out, Away with [him]…” : The people who were witnessing Jesus’ death are immediately outraged and angry. They’re screaming, “Away with him!” This isn’t just a feeling; it's a strong expression of hatred and opposition. “…away with [him]…” : They’re saying "Away with him!" as if he were the most important person in the world – a king or leader. They’re essentially calling for his removal from their lives. “Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King?” : Pilate, the Roman governor, is questioning whether he should perform this act of execution. He's asking if he has the right to take a life like this. “The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.” : The leaders of the Jewish religious community – particularly the Chief Priest – responded with a shocking and defiant statement. They said, “We have no king but Caesar!” What Does This Mean? This is where it gets really significant. Here’s what it suggests: The People Believe Jesus is God: The people were deeply believing that Jesus was the Son of God and that his death was a necessary part of God’s plan. They saw him as divine. Pilate's Position: Pilate was a Roman official, not a religious leader. He wasn’t in charge of God or any divine authority. He was a political figure tasked with maintaining order. The Challenge to Authority: By saying, “We have no king but Caesar,” the Jewish leaders were essentially challenging Pilate's authority and arguing that he shouldn’t be making such a drastic decision – that it goes against the established Roman system of governance. Overall Interpretation (Simplified): This verse highlights a conflict between religious belief and political power. The people are rejecting Jesus as God and demanding that Pilate take action that would upset the established order. It's a moment where faith and politics collide. Important Note: The phrase "We have no king but Caesar" is a famous quote from the New Testament, and it’s often interpreted as a reference to the Roman Empire. However, it's important to remember that the context of this passage is ancient Jewish scripture – so the meaning is layered with religious significance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the phrase "We have no king but Caesar"? Connect this passage to a specific biblical story or theme?