What does John 19:10 mean?

The fact that Jesus won't answer certain questions seems to frustrate Pilate (John 19:9). From the moment Jesus was brought in, Pilate has resisted doing the mob's dirty work for them (John 18:38–39; 19:4–6; Matthew 27:18). Even a little effort on Jesus' part would have given Pilate leverage to "win" this skirmish and set Jesus free. When Jesus again refuses to answer, however, Pilate resorts to intimidation.

There are two main implications of this statement. On one hand, Pilate seems to be looking for a way to spare Jesus' life. This comment is partly a request for Jesus to say something Pilate can use to end the entire incident. On the other hand, it's a veiled threat: tell me what I want to know, or I'll let the mob have you. In Pilate's mind, he has ultimate power in this situation. It's entirely his choice, and his authority, which has put Jesus in this position, or so he thinks.

Jesus' response will be especially cutting. History suggests Pontius Pilate relied heavily on violence and intimidation to rule Judea, resulting in a poor relationship with the people. It also likely meant he was now under strict orders not to incite more civil unrest—with his own position on the line. When Jesus points out that Pilate's authority is given by someone else, it's more than a simple statement of fact, it's a way of putting the governor in his place (John 19:11). It also foreshadows how the mob will coerce Pilate into his final decision (John 19:12).