John 18 13

John 18:13 kjv

And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

John 18:13 nkjv

And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.

John 18:13 niv

and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.

John 18:13 esv

First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

John 18:13 nlt

First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time.

John 18 verses

John 18 13 Meaning

John 18:13 describes the initial phase of Jesus's passion narrative following His arrest. The verse explicitly states that Jesus was led to Annas first, establishing Annas's continuing, albeit unofficial, power within the Jewish religious hierarchy. This action highlights Annas's influential position through his familial tie to Caiaphas, his son-in-law, who was the official High Priest "that year." This initial interrogation by Annas, preceding the formal Sanhedrin trial, indicates a manipulative effort to prepare charges and control the narrative, underscoring the deep corruption within the leadership orchestrating Jesus's condemnation during the divinely appointed time of His atoning sacrifice.

John 18 13 Context

John 18:13 directly follows Jesus's voluntary surrender and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, establishing the initial steps of His legal proceedings. The preceding verses emphasize Jesus's sovereignty even amidst His capture, as He identifies Himself and prevents the guards from harming His disciples (Jn 18:4-9). This verse marks a pivotal shift from the external action of arrest to the internal, legal machinations by the Jewish authorities. Historically, the high priesthood, by Roman appointment, often diverged from the Mosaic Law's ideal of a lifelong office, leading to figures like Annas, though deposed, retaining immense, informal power through family connections. The move to Annas "first" was a strategic, extra-legal step, bypassing the direct transfer to the official High Priest, Caiaphas, highlighting Annas's behind-the-scenes influence and setting the tone for the corrupt and unjust "trial" that would unfold.

John 18 13 Word analysis

• And led Him: This indicates Jesus's involuntary procession under the custody of the Roman cohort and Jewish temple guards. The act of leading suggests a complete reversal from Jesus's previous free movement, marking His formal captivity.
• to Annas: Annas (Ἅννας, Hannas), son of Seth, had been appointed High Priest by the Roman prefect Quirinius in A.D. 6 but was deposed by Gratus in A.D. 15. However, due to his extensive family connections (five sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas all serving as High Priest) and his vast wealth, he maintained immense influence and was often considered the true High Priest by many Jews according to traditional Mosaic Law (which stipulated a lifelong term). He retained the title and authority in the eyes of the populace and continued to wield power behind the scenes.
• first: The Greek word πρῶτον (prōton) means "first" in sequence, emphasizing that this stop was deliberately chosen as an initial, strategic interrogation. It was an informal preliminary hearing, not a legitimate trial, likely aimed at establishing guilt or securing admissions before presenting Jesus to the official High Priest. This subverted proper legal procedures and underscored Annas's enduring authority and the illegal nature of the proceedings.
• for he was father-in-law: This familial relationship, expressed in the Greek ἀδελφὸς (adelphos - brother-in-law, or in a broader sense, relation, but here specifically father-in-law to Caiaphas) provides the crucial link for Annas's continued power. It explains why Jesus was brought to Annas first, solidifying the dynastic corruption of the high priestly office and its intertwined political influence.
• of Caiaphas: Caiaphas (Καϊάφας, Kaiáphas), Joseph bar Caiaphas, was Annas's son-in-law and the official High Priest at the time (A.D. 18-36). He was appointed by the Romans, signifying their control over the Jewish religious institutions. Caiaphas later plays a central role in Jesus's formal trial and condemnation.
• who was high priest that year: The phrase "that year" (ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ ἔτει, en ekeinō tō etei) is a distinct Johannine emphasis. It subtly contrasts the Roman system of yearly (or temporary) appointment with the lifelong appointment of the High Priest under Mosaic Law. More profoundly, it alludes to John 11:49-51, where Caiaphas, in his capacity as High Priest "that year," unknowingly prophesies Jesus's atoning death "for the nation." This phrase thus signifies the particular, divinely appointed year for the sacrifice of Christ, highlighting God's overarching sovereign plan amidst human treachery.

• "Annas first... for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas": This phrase directly explains the initial irregular move in the judicial process. It shows Annas's profound de facto power despite not holding the official title. His familial ties to the current High Priest underscore the pervasive nepotism and the entrenched dynastic control over the religious system, effectively consolidating power and circumventing proper legal procedure for political expediency. This connection facilitated a coordinated, although illegal, effort to convict Jesus.

John 18 13 Bonus section

• The historical accounts, particularly from Josephus, confirm Annas's continued significant influence long after his official deposition, illustrating the politicization of the High Priesthood under Roman rule, a stark contrast to its spiritual significance in Mosaic Law.
• The private interrogation by Annas, before any formal Sanhedrin hearing, points to several judicial improprieties: nighttime trials were forbidden, as were preliminary investigations designed to gather self-incriminating evidence before a formal accusation. This set a precedent for the lack of justice throughout Jesus's trial.
• Annas and Caiaphas were part of the Sadducean party, known for their focus on maintaining power and cooperative relations with the Roman authorities. Jesus's growing popularity and claims threatened this political stability and their entrenched positions, making His elimination a matter of political and religious expediency rather than a matter of true justice or divine law.

John 18 13 Commentary

John 18:13 acts as a critical pivot point, moving from Jesus's capture to the commencement of His unjust trials. The sequence, specifically bringing Jesus to Annas "first," illuminates the true power dynamics within the Jewish hierarchy. Annas, despite having been deposed by the Romans years prior, remained the dominant force, a shadow high priest wielding immense influence through his son-in-law, Caiaphas. This initial, unofficial interrogation was a tactical move, bypassing proper legal channels to gauge Jesus, establish charges, and pre-empt a unified strategy before the official proceedings under Caiaphas. John's emphasis on Caiaphas being High Priest "that year" is deeply theological; it highlights the unique, divinely ordained period of history when the sacrificial Lamb of God would be offered, tying the corrupt political actions of men to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It signifies God's sovereignty working through human sin and power plays to accomplish His ultimate purpose of salvation.