19The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. [18:20] Jesus answered him, 'I myself have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogue and in the sacred temple complex, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. [18:21] Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.' [18:22] When he had said these things, one of the temple attendants standing nearby struck Jesus with a slap on the face, saying, 'Is that how you answer the high priest?' [18:23] Jesus answered him, 'If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?' [18:24] Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
JHN 18:19-24
Jesus before the High Priest
In the world it was spoken into
In this scene, Jesus stands before the high priest, likely Caiaphas, in a setting deeply shaped by Second-Temple Jewish legal and religious authority. The high priest’s interrogation reflects the hierarchical and honor-driven dynamics of Jewish leadership, where public teaching was scrutinized for orthodoxy and political implications. Jesus’ response, emphasizing that he spoke (boldly and openly) in the synagogue and (the sacred temple complex), underscores his claim to legitimacy and transparency. His teaching in these public spaces, where 'all the Jews come together,' contrasts with accusations of secretive or subversive activity. The (attendant) striking Jesus with a (slap) reflects the honor-shame culture of the time, where such an act was a deliberate insult to assert dominance and degrade the accused. Jesus’ calm response challenges this attempt at humiliation, maintaining his dignity and authority. The scene highlights the tension between Jesus’ public ministry and the religious leaders’ efforts to discredit him.
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How other translations render this
JHN 18:19
- KJV
- The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
- BSB
- Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.
- Koinōnos
- The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.
JHN 18:20
- KJV
- Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
- BSB
- “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
- Koinōnos
- Jesus answered him, 'I myself have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogue and in the sacred temple complex, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.
JHN 18:21
- KJV
- Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
- BSB
- Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.”
- Koinōnos
- Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.
JHN 18:22
- KJV
- And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
- BSB
- When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?”
- Koinōnos
- When he had said these things, one of the temple attendants standing nearby struck Jesus with a slap on the face, saying, 'Is that how you answer the high priest?
JHN 18:23
- KJV
- Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
- BSB
- Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”
- Koinōnos
- Jesus answered him, 'If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?
JHN 18:24
- KJV
- Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
- BSB
- Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
- Koinōnos
- Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
JHN 18:20
- I myself:The word translated 'I myself' here carries the sense of speaking openly and publicly, without concealment or fear, often implying a bold declaration.
- in:The term used here for 'in' refers specifically to something sacred or holy, indicating a consecrated place or object.
JHN 18:22
- officers:The word translated 'officers' refers to an underling or attendant, someone who serves under authority, rather than a high-ranking official.
- a blow with the palm:The phrase 'a blow with the palm' specifically describes a slap on the face, a particularly insulting and humiliating form of physical abuse.