In Greek this verse is a continuation of the sentence begun in verse 8. It begins with “and,” reflecting Semitic Greek style.

Asked is literally “says to”; but here again the verb “to say” is used to introduce a question.

There is no mention that Pilate sent Jesus back to the palace, but this verse implies that he had done so, since Pilate now goes back into the palace to speak to him.

Although Pilate’s question Where do you come from? refers to the part of Palestine from which Jesus originates, John intends for his readers to see here the larger question of whether Jesus came from heaven or from on earth. In asking this question, Pilate is probably seeking a loophole, so that he can shift the responsibility for deciding Jesus’ case to someone else (compare Luke 23.6).

Jesus’ refusal to answer calls to mind the Suffering Servant, who never said a word (Isa 53.7). However, in John’s Gospel Jesus does speak again (verse 11), whereas in the Synoptic tradition he is silent throughout his trial, with the exception of his answer to Pilate, So you say (Mark 15.2 and parallels).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .