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

This verse describes Jesus being led to Annas, a former high priest. It highlights the shift in authority and the unjust nature of the proceedings against Jesus, as he was taken from Pilate's presence back to an influential figure who had previously held the office of High Priest. This action suggests a move away from Roman legal process towards an examination by Jewish religious leadership.

John 18 13 Context

Jesus has just been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Roman cohort and officers, acting on behalf of the Jewish religious leaders, have seized him. Immediately following the arrest, Jesus is not brought directly to the Sanhedrin or presented before Pilate. Instead, John's Gospel uniquely states that he was first taken to Annas. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the High Priest at that time, and although no longer holding the official title, Annas remained a highly influential and powerful figure within the Jewish religious hierarchy. This initial presentation suggests an informal interrogation or preliminary judgment by Jewish authorities before the formal Roman legal process began. Annas’s prominent role in this early stage of Jesus's trial underscores the intense religious opposition Jesus faced.

John 18 13 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): A conjunction, meaning "and," "also," "even." It signifies a continuation of the narrative, connecting the arrest to the subsequent action.
• ἡγουν (hegein): "led," "conducted," "brought." From the verb hegeō. The aorist active indicative form suggests a completed action. Jesus was actively conducted or brought.
• Συμοων (Simon): A proper name, Simon. The Greek form of the Hebrew name Shim'on. Refers to Peter.
• Πετρος (Petros): "Peter." A nickname meaning "rock," given by Jesus to Simon (John 1:42). This emphasizes Peter's personal following of Jesus even in this dire moment.
• ἠκολούθει (ekolouthei): "followed." Imperfect active indicative of akoloutheō. This imperfect tense implies continuous or repeated action in the past, suggesting Peter followed persistently, though perhaps at a distance.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• ἄλλος (allos): "another." Refers to a second person following.
• μαθητὴς (mathētēs): "disciple." From the verb manthanō, "to learn." This was a common term for Jesus's followers.
• τοῦ (tou): The definite article "the."
• Ιησου (Iēsou): "Jesus." Genitive case, indicating possession or belonging ("Jesus' disciple").
• ἐκεῖνον (ekeinon): "that one," "him." Refers to Jesus.
• οἴδαμεν (oidamen): "we know." From the verb oida, meaning "to know." This implies the author and the original readers are expected to know who this "other disciple" is. The most common interpretation identifies him as John the Apostle, the author of this Gospel.

Group Analysis:

• "Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple": This highlights that even as Jesus was being led away under arrest, some of his closest followers, notably Peter and the beloved disciple (traditionally John), remained connected, albeit at a distance and with different degrees of engagement. It sets the stage for Peter's later denial, which occurs while he is in the vicinity of the interrogation. The "another disciple" is often understood to be the author himself, who had closer access due to his known relationship with the High Priest (verse 15).

John 18 13 Bonus Section

John's unique focus on Annas indicates a deliberate theological point. Annas had been High Priest for many years and had seen five of his sons installed in the position, giving him a deep and established authority. Presenting Jesus first to Annas, the patriarch of the priestly line, before Caiaphas (his son-in-law and current High Priest), signifies the thoroughness of the religious establishment's intent to condemn Jesus. It highlights the entrenched religious opposition Jesus faced. The narrative also prepares for the Gospel's emphasis on Jesus as the true High Priest and mediator, who, unlike the earthly priests who manipulate power and tradition, acts with divine authority and self-sacrifice. This scene also subtly foreshadows Peter's moment of weakness, his subsequent restoration by Jesus (John 21:15-19), and the contrast between human discipleship (following, but prone to failure) and Jesus's perfect obedience.

John 18 13 Commentary

This verse, unique to John's Gospel, positions Peter and the beloved disciple in proximity to Jesus's initial informal hearing before Annas. It is not a formal trial, but an assessment by an influential religious figure, Annas, who, despite his age and former office, wields significant power. The following of Peter and the other disciple signifies their loyalty and their desire to know what would happen to their Master, even amidst great danger. The "another disciple" knowing the High Priest foreshadows his access to the courtyard and his ability to help Peter gain entry. This setup emphasizes the betrayal, the unjust process, and the immediate eyewitness perspective offered by the disciple who ultimately records these events. The verse emphasizes a continuation of pursuit, not a cessation, even when Jesus is apprehended.