John 18:2 kjv
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
John 18:2 nkjv
And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
John 18:2 niv
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
John 18:2 esv
Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
John 18:2 nlt
Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples.
John 18 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jn 18:1 | When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the Kidron valley, where there was a garden... | Immediate location for the arrest. |
| Jn 14:31 | ...But to show the world that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, so I do. Rise, let us go from here. | Jesus departs for Gethsemane, fulfilling His mission. |
| Mt 26:14-16 | Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me...? | Judas initiates the betrayal plan. |
| Mk 14:10-11 | Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. | Judas actively seeks to betray Jesus. |
| Lk 22:3-6 | Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot... he went away and conferred with the chief priests...to betray him. | Satan's influence on Judas and his agreement. |
| Mt 26:47-49 | While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve...with swords and clubs... he came up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. | Judas leads the arrest party and identifies Jesus. |
| Lk 22:47-48 | While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him. | Judas acts as the guide and identifier. |
| Ps 41:9 | Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. | Prophecy of betrayal by a trusted companion. |
| Ps 55:12-14 | It is not an enemy who taunts me... But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend... | Lament of deep betrayal by a confidant. |
| Zech 11:12-13 | I said to them, "If it seems good to you, give me my wages...So they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. | Prophecy concerning the price of betrayal. |
| Acts 1:16-18 | Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled... concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. | Peter's commentary on Judas's fulfilled prophecy and end. |
| Jn 6:70-71 | Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil." He spoke of Judas... | Jesus' prior knowledge of Judas's character. |
| Mt 26:36 | Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." | Parallel account of entering Gethsemane. |
| Mk 14:32 | And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." | Parallel account of entering Gethsemane. |
| Lk 22:39 | And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. | Highlights Jesus' habit of going to the Mount of Olives, including Gethsemane. |
| Jn 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple... | Contrast: Jesus' public ministry versus hidden plots. |
| Isa 53:7 | He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter... | Jesus' silent submission to His arrest. |
| Jn 10:17-18 | For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. | Jesus' sovereignty over His life and death. |
| Mt 26:50 | Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came for." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. | Jesus confronts Judas directly and willingly submits. |
| Lk 22:53 | ...But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. | The spiritual forces behind Jesus' arrest. |
| Jn 17 | The entire chapter before John 18 focuses on Jesus' high priestly prayer. | Immediate context: Jesus prepares Himself for His Father's will. |
| Heb 5:7-8 | In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death... | Reflection of Jesus' agony in Gethsemane. |
John 18 verses
John 18 2 Meaning
John 18:2 concisely states that Judas, who was Jesus' betrayer, knew the Garden of Gethsemane well because Jesus frequently gathered there with His disciples. This verse establishes the crucial detail of how the arresting party, led by Judas, was able to locate Jesus so precisely for His apprehension.
John 18 2 Context
John 18 begins immediately after Jesus' profound High Priestly Prayer (John 17), a moment of deep intimacy with His Father, signifying His readiness for the cross. John 18:1 states Jesus then crossed the Kidron Valley and entered a garden with His disciples, which the other Gospels identify as Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. Verse 2 specifically details how Judas, the betrayer, was able to pinpoint Jesus' location. Historically and culturally, gardens outside Jerusalem, especially on the Mount of Olives, were common retreats from the crowded city during major festivals like Passover. They offered privacy for prayer, teaching, and quiet reflection. Jesus' regular use of this particular garden made it an obvious choice for an intimate meeting, but tragically, also for His adversaries led by the knowing Judas. The stage is thus set for the dramatic and pre-ordained arrest of Jesus.
John 18 2 Word analysis
- And Judas also: The Greek `Ioudas de kai` (Ἰούδας δὲ καί) emphasizes Judas's specific, personal involvement. The word "also" (`kai`) indicates that his knowledge was an additional factor to the search, vital for pinpointing Jesus, rather than just being present.
- which betrayed him: The Greek `ho paradidous auton` (ὁ παραδιδούς αὐτόν) uses a present participle, identifying Judas primarily by this singular act, underscoring its defining nature for him. `Paradidomi` means to hand over, to deliver up. In this context, it clearly means treacherous betrayal, not just a casual handover.
- knew the place: The Greek `ēdei ton topon` (ᾔδει τὸν τόπον) uses the imperfect tense of `oida` (to know), implying not merely a passing awareness but a deep, habitual knowledge of the location. This suggests intimate familiarity, critical to the execution of the betrayal.
- for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither: The Greek `pollakis synēchtō ekei ho Iēsous` (πολλάκις συνήχτο ἐκεῖ ὁ Ἰησοῦς). `Pollakis` (πολλάκις) means "often" or "frequently," highlighting a consistent habit of Jesus. `Synēchtō` (συνήχτο) is a passive form, meaning "was accustomed to gathering," or "was assembled." This indicates it was a regular meeting point.
- with his disciples: This phrase underscores the nature of Jesus' presence at the garden—it was not just a solitary retreat but a gathering place for His closest followers. This made it a known location within their immediate circle.
- Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: This phrase connects Judas's identity as the betrayer directly with his intimate knowledge of Jesus' whereabouts. It is precisely because he was the betrayer that this specific, critical piece of information (the place) became available and useful for the plot to arrest Jesus. This was not random but a calculated act relying on privileged information.
- for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples: This phrase provides the rationale behind Judas's knowledge. Jesus' consistent pattern of using the garden as a gathering point for teaching and fellowship, especially with His disciples, established it as a well-known spot. This habit, which fostered closeness and instruction, became, in the hands of Judas, the very means of Jesus' vulnerability. It highlights Jesus' open, accessible life, even as it was tragically exploited.
John 18 2 Bonus section
The mention of "the place" (implicitly Gethsemane from John 18:1 and synoptic accounts) carries significant weight. Gethsemane means "olive press," suggesting the crushing burden, intense spiritual and emotional agony that Jesus endured there in prayer, prior to His physical arrest. This detail connects Jesus' personal suffering and decision (to willingly go through with the Father's will) with the mechanical act of betrayal enabled by Judas's intimate knowledge. The irony of a close associate leveraging shared sacred spaces for malicious ends further emphasizes the depth of the betrayal. Jesus' choice to continue His pattern of going to a known place signifies not ignorance, but conscious self-offering.
John 18 2 Commentary
John 18:2, though brief, provides critical context for Jesus' arrest. It profoundly underscores the treachery of Judas, whose intimate knowledge of Jesus' regular gathering spot facilitated the Lord's apprehension. Jesus' habit of frequently retreating to this garden with His disciples highlights His openness and lack of concealment. Ironically, a place designed for spiritual fellowship, teaching, and prayer became the stage for the ultimate betrayal. The verse speaks to Jesus' deliberate submission to God's plan; He chose a familiar place, not to hide, but to fulfill scripture, willingly walking into the orchestrated suffering. This deliberate step, fully known to Him, showcases His sovereignty and purpose even amidst His imminent capture.