John 18:33-37

JMNT(i) 33 So Pilate entered again into the governor's headquarters (the Praetorium) and summoned Jesus and then said to Him, "Are you yourself the king of the Jews? (or: So YOU are the king of the Judeans.)" 34 Jesus considered and replied, "Are you yourself now saying this from yourself, or did others tell you about Me?" 35 Pilate considered and replied, "Surely I myself am not a Jew! Your nation (ethnic group) and the chief priests gave you over to me. What did you do?" 36 Jesus decidedly replied, "My kingdom (My sovereignty; the realm and activity of My reign and activity; My reign as king) is not (does not exist being) from out of this System (world of organized government, culture, economics or religion; or: universe) as its source or origin. If My kingdom (or: reign, realm and sovereignty) were from out of this System (or: world of government, culture, religion and economy; secular society), as a source or origin, My subordinates (deputies; officers; those under My orders) would have been progressively contending, struggling and fighting, to the end that I could (or: would) not be given over to the Jews (= religious authorities). But now (= as a matter of fact, or, as it is) My kingdom and reign is not (does not exist being) from that source (from within this place; thence or hence)." 37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, "Are you yourself not, then, a king? (or: So then... you are yourself a king!)" Jesus discerningly replied, "You yourself continue saying that I am a king. Into this [position, or purpose] I Myself have been born, and I have come into this System (world and culture; social arrangement) and continue being present: to the end that I could and should bear witness to Reality (or: give testimony to and evidence of the Truth). Everyone being (or: who is existing) from out of Reality (or: the Truth) is habitually hearing, progressively listening [and thus: continually obeys] My voice."