The crown of thorns is a slightly different Greek expression from that used in verse 2, though no distinction should be made in translation.

Pilate said is literally “he says.” It is necessary to mention Pilate by name, so that the reader will not suppose that the subject of the verb is Jesus, mentioned earlier in the verse.

Look (Greek idou) renders a particle used to draw attention; it occurs elsewhere in the Gospel at 4.35; 12.15; 16.32.

Here is the man is interpreted variously by the commentators. Some assume that Pilate was attempting to elicit pity; others maintain that he was expressing contempt. It seems best to interpret Pilate’s words as an attempt to make the Jews see how absurd it was to crucify this person, who obviously was no political threat. Pilate, then, was actually arguing for Jesus’ release.

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 .