Definition: But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important and complex passage from John 18:39. It’s a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, and it really gets to the heart of his plan for redemption. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: Jesus is saying that he is releasing someone – specifically, the Jewish leaders – to be freed from their control and oppression. He’s essentially declaring he has a specific role or mission for them. Let's unpack it word by word: "But ye have a custom..." : This is a formal way of saying "I'm setting this up." It's like a rule or agreement being made. "...that I should release unto you one at the passover..." : This refers to Passover, a Jewish holiday celebrating freedom and liberation from slavery. Jesus is saying he will release someone – specifically, the leaders of the Jewish community – at this specific time . "will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?" : This is the crucial part. "King of the Jews" isn’t about a literal king. It's a metaphor. It means Jesus wants to free them from their power and control, just as he freed people from slavery in ancient times. The Significance & What it Means: This verse is a key part of Jesus’ plan to establish his kingdom (His rule). Here’s what it signifies: He's establishing His authority: Jesus isn’t just offering forgiveness or compassion; he’s asserting his authority and right to act as the one who liberates people. Breaking free from oppression: The Jewish leaders were controlling the Jewish people, demanding taxes, restricting their freedoms, and generally manipulating them. Jesus is saying he’s going to release them from this oppressive situation. A new era begins: This verse marks a turning point – a beginning of a new era where Jesus will bring about a time of freedom and justice for all. Important Note: It's crucial to understand that Jesus isn't literally releasing the King of Judea (which was a Roman king). He’s speaking metaphorically about releasing the leaders of the Jewish community from their power, which is a symbolic representation of the oppression they were experiencing. --- To help me explain this further and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: Why are you asking about this verse? (Are you studying it for a particular reason?) What specifically are you curious about? (Do you want a deeper understanding of the context, or are you wondering about its significance in a broader sense?)