Definition: And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from the Bible. It’s a really dramatic and complex part of the story of Jesus Christ. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes the final moments of Jesus after his crucifixion. It’s a very forceful and shocking statement. Let's unpack it: "John 19:3" : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “And said, Hail, King of the Jews!” – This is a really strange and intense phrase. The word "Hail" in this context means “I greet you.” So, Jesus was essentially calling out to the Jewish people who were gathered around him. It’s a declaration of authority and power. “and they smote him with their hands” – This is the crucial part. The Jewish people, believing that Jesus was divine (a powerful claim!), smote him with their hands. They were likely trying to kill or injure him. What does this all mean? This verse speaks to several things: Jesus's Authority: It highlights that Jesus wasn’t just a regular person; he held a position of authority and power, even in his final moments. He was seen as the King of the Jews. The Jewish Reaction: The phrase "they smote him with their hands" signifies a very violent and defiant reaction to his death. It shows that the people weren’t accepting his sacrifice or understanding what happened. They were actively trying to prevent him from dying. Why is this important? This verse is incredibly significant because it demonstrates: The Passion of Jesus: It illustrates the intense suffering and pain Jesus endured in his final moments, which ultimately led to his crucifixion. The Opposition to His Mission: It shows that even those who believed in him were actively working against him. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign of Jesus's impending death – a prophecy about the suffering he would endure. However, it’s also seen as a powerful statement of his authority and the rejection of his followers. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/John/19/3](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/John/19/3) Wikipedia - John 19: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_19](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_19) Would you like me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore a different aspect of this verse?