Keraia
John 18

John 18:23

Jesus before the High Priest · John 18:19–24
Read John 18

Translations

Modern
Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”
Traditional
Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Literal
Jesus answered him, “If I spoke evil, testify concerning the evil; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?”
Latin
Respondit ei Jesus: Si male locutus sum, testimonium perhibe de malo: si autem bene, quid me cædis?

Original

Greek
English
Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”

Notes

John 18:22–23

When Jesus reminded Annas about the correct legal procedure, one of the temple guards thought he was being disrespectful. The guard slapped Jesus.

However, Jesus knew the law well and spoke truthfully. There were no witnesses accusing him, and no evidence was presented against him.

John 18:1–40

Jesus finished speaking his final words to his disciples in the upper room (13:31–17:26). Jesus then left the city and went to a garden east of Jerusalem to pray. There, authorities arrested him and took him back into the city for questioning by the Jewish religious leaders. The important "hour" Jesus often mentioned throughout the Gospel had arrived (see 2:4; see also study note on 12:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Annas and Caiaphas

Events

Parallels

Matthew 26:57–68 Mark 14:53–65 Luke 22:66–71

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Annas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Passion Procurator

Topics

Court: Civil: Composition of, and Mode of Procedure Courts of Justice: The Accused: Sometimes Treated with Insult Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Persecution of Jesus Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Put on Trial and Condemn Jesus Prisoners: Jesus