Reading Pilate’s “What is truth?” as the culture’s shrug imports a modern debate into a first-century scene. Pilate may be asking sincerely, or dismissively about political truth.

Agreed, and the modern framing should be held lightly. John gives no interpretation of Pilate’s tone, and readers have heard it as cynical, weary, or sincere. The scene is cited only as supporting context that John returns to the theme of truth around Jesus at the trial as well as in the upper room. Whatever Pilate meant, John’s point is that truth stood in front of him and he did not stay for an answer.