John 18:38 - Literary References

Literary References

This verse has been widely quoted and alluded to in culture and literature, particularly in that of philosophical nature. While Pilate's question -- whether intended philosophically, jestfully, rhetorically, or born of frustration at the lack of a plain answer -- is by no means the first incident of someone questioning the nature of truth, it has been drawn upon many times as a significant occurrence thereof.

Francis Bacon uses this musing to open his essay "Of Truth", saying that Pilate "would not stay for an answer". He uses this to introduce his theme of truth as an affirmation of faith.

In The Antichrist (§ 46), Friedrich Nietzsche calls upon Pilate's query. He uses it, however, as evidence of Pilate's character, saying that he is "a solitary figure worthy of honor" and that the question "What is truth" is "the only saying that has any value" in the New Testament.