John 19:7-8

Context
19:7 The Jewish leaders¹ replied,² “We have a law,³ and according to our law he ought to die, because he claimed to be the Son of God!”⁴

19:8 When Pilate heard what they said,⁵ he was more afraid than ever,⁶

[19:7] ¹tn Or “the Jewish authorities”; Grk “the Jews.” In NT usage the term ᾿Ιουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) may refer to the entire Jewish people, the residents of Jerusalem and surrounding territory, the authorities in Jerusalem, or merely those who were hostile to Jesus. (For further information see R. G. Bratcher, “‘The Jews’ in the Gospel of John,” BT 26 [1975]: 401-9.) Here the phrase refers to the Jewish leaders, especially members of the Sanhedrin, and their servants (mentioned specifically as “the chief priests and their servants” in John 19:6).

[19:7] ²tn Grk “answered him.”

[19:7] ³sn This law is not the entire Pentateuch, but Lev 24:16.

[19:7] ⁴tn Grk “because he made himself out to be the Son of God.”

[19:8] ⁵tn Grk “heard this word.”

[19:8] ⁶tn Grk “became more afraid.”