John 18 11

John 18:11 kjv

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

John 18:11 nkjv

So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"

John 18:11 niv

Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

John 18:11 esv

So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

John 18:11 nlt

But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?"

John 18 verses

John 18 11 Meaning

Jesus, in response to Peter's impulsive action, asserts His divine authority and the intended course of events. He indicates that the situation, though appearing chaotic, is under His control and fulfillment of Scripture is paramount.

John 18 11 Context

This verse occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane during Jesus' arrest. Following the kiss of Judas, a mob, accompanied by soldiers and guards, seizes Jesus. In an act of zealous defense, Peter draws a sword and strikes off the right ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest. Jesus’ response immediately follows this violent outburst. The immediate context is Jesus' arrest and impending suffering, leading to His crucifixion. More broadly, it is part of the Gospel of John's narrative of Jesus' final hours and His affirmation of His divine identity and mission. Historically, Roman presence with soldiers indicates the civil authority’s involvement in this apprehension.

John 18 11 Word analysis

• Σιμώμ (Simón - Simon): A proper name, identifying Peter.
• βάλλε (balle): Imperative form of the verb "ballo," meaning to throw, put, cast. Here, "put."
• τὴν (tēn): Definite article, accusative singular feminine.
• μάχαιραν (machairan): "Machaira," sword, a short sword or dagger.
• εἰς (eis): Preposition meaning into.
• τὴν (tēn): Definite article, accusative singular feminine.
• κόλπον (kolpon): "Kolpos," bosom, lap, or fold of a garment. Refers to a pouch or sheath.
• μου (mou): Possessive pronoun, "my."
• ὁ (ho): Definite article, nominative singular masculine.
• πατὴρ (patēr): Father.
• ἐὰν (ean): Subordinating conjunction introducing a conditional clause, "if."
• μὴ (mē): Particle of negation, used with potential or conditional clauses.
• οὐ (ou): Particle of negation, used with indicative or imperative verbs. (In this context, "if not")
• βούληται (boulētai): Middle deponent indicative of "boulomai," to wish, to will, to want. "Wishes" or "wills."
• τὰ (ta): Definite article, accusative plural neuter.
• πότα (pota): "Potoma" in classical Greek means drink. In Koine Greek, "pota" is related to drinking. This is a textual variation referring to what is "given" to drink or a cup to be drunk.
• ἃ (ha): Relative pronoun, accusative plural neuter, "which."
• ὁ (ho): Definite article, nominative singular masculine.
• πατὴρ (patēr): Father.
• διδῶσίν (didōsin): From "didomi," to give. Here, it's third person plural, suggesting "they give," but in context with the singular "Father," it is likely referring to the cup which is "given" or appointed. A variant reading is "didosi" (he gives).

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Put your sword back into its place": This phrase indicates that Peter’s action was outside of Jesus’ directive and the intended way forward. The "place" signifies returning to a non-violent posture, implying a different, non-worldly approach to the current situation.
• "Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?": The "cup" is a powerful metaphor, common in Scripture, for a portion or lot, often associated with suffering or divine judgment. Here, it represents the suffering and crucifixion appointed by God the Father. Jesus frames His suffering not as a result of accidental violence, but as a divinely ordained destiny He willingly accepts.

John 18 11 Bonus section

The Greek word "machaira" (μάχαιραν) refers to a short sword, often used by ordinary citizens, contrasting with the longer sword of a Roman soldier. This detail underscores that Peter's action, while a defense, was from a worldly, defensive posture. The concept of the "cup" is profoundly significant. In the Old Testament, it is consistently used for the portion of suffering or wrath from God (e.g., Psalm 11:6; Jeremiah 25:15-17). Jesus’ acceptance of this "cup" is a cornerstone of His redemptive mission. The variations in textual readings, particularly around "didōsin" (they give) versus "didosi" (He gives), relate to the precise agent who appoints the cup. However, the theological weight remains that the Father is the ultimate giver of this cup of suffering for Jesus to drink, even if secondary agents are involved in its presentation. The scholarly consensus is that "didosi" (He gives) is the more likely original reading.

John 18 11 Commentary

Jesus’ command to Peter ("put your sword back") is a definitive rejection of violent resistance and an embrace of His appointed path of suffering. The phrase, "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" encapsulates Jesus' submission to the Father’s will and His understanding of the divine plan. This "cup" is understood biblically as a symbol of God's judgment and suffering (Ps. 75:8; Jer. 25:15; Matt. 20:22). Jesus willingly accepts this "cup" of suffering, making it clear that His arrest and crucifixion are not mere occurrences but fulfillments of God's purpose. This verse highlights Jesus’ complete control over His destiny, His unwavering obedience to the Father, and the volitional nature of His sacrifice, emphasizing that He laid down His life willingly, not that it was forcibly taken. His focus is on obedience to the Father’s will and the fulfillment of Scripture over immediate self-defense.