John 18:20 kjv
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
John 18:20 nkjv
Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.
John 18:20 niv
"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
John 18:20 esv
Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.
John 18:20 nlt
Jesus replied, "Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret.
John 18 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Luke 4:31-32 (Public Ministry) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Acts 2:46 (Worshipping Together) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Acts 17:2 (Preaching Publicly) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Mark 11:15-19 (Cleansing Temple) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | John 7:14 (Teaching at Festival) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | John 7:26 (Public Recognition) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Isaiah 45:19 (Speaking Truth) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Matthew 13:54 (Town Recognition) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | John 1:46 (Public Invitation) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | John 3:2 (Nicodemus' Visit) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Acts 18:4 (Preaching in Synagogue) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | John 17:13 (Fullness of Joy) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | 1 John 1:5 (No Darkness in Him) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | John 10:22-23 (Feast of Dedication) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Matthew 26:55 (Arrest in Temple) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Mark 14:49 (Arrest in Garden) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | John 7:33-34 (Speaking of Departure) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Acts 26:26 (Speaking Boldly) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | Proverbs 8:20 (Righteousness Proclaimed) |
| John 18:20 | Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world... I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I have not spoken in secret." | 2 Timothy 3:16 (All Scripture Inspired) |
John 18 verses
John 18 20 Meaning
Jesus explained to the authorities that He always taught openly in synagogues and in the Temple. His teaching was not a hidden or secret affair but was publicly accessible. He consistently addressed crowds, so there was no hidden doctrine or subversive teaching that could be brought against Him. His entire ministry was a public demonstration of God's truth.
John 18 20 Context
This verse occurs during Jesus' trial before Annas. Annas was a former High Priest and a very influential figure. He was interrogating Jesus after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The interrogation seems informal, preceding the more formal trial before the Sanhedrin or Roman authorities. Jesus' statement here is a direct response to Annas asking about His disciples and His teaching. This statement sets the tone for the trial, emphasizing the public and unashamed nature of His ministry and message.
John 18 20 Word Analysis
Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The Greek name for Joshua, meaning "Savior." This refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
answered (ἀπεκρίθη - apekrithē): A passive form of the verb "apokrinomai," meaning to answer, reply, or respond.
him (αὐτῷ - autō): The dative case of the third-person singular pronoun "autos," referring to Annas.
I have spoken (ἐλάλησα - elalēsa): The aorist indicative active of "laleō," meaning to speak, talk, or communicate. The aorist tense suggests a completed action or a statement of fact covering His entire ministry.
openly (παρρησίᾳ - parrēsia): An adverb meaning freely, openly, boldly, with confidence, without concealment. This highlights the transparency of His teaching.
to the world (τῷ κόσμῳ - tō kosmō): The dative case of "kosmos," meaning world, universe, or populace. Jesus addressed humanity at large.
I always (πάντοτε - pantote): An adverb meaning at all times, always. Emphasizes consistency.
taught (ἐδίδαξα - edidaxa): The aorist indicative active of "didaskō," meaning to teach, instruct, or disciple. Refers to His active role as a teacher.
in synagogues (ἐν συναγωγαῖς - en synagōgais): "Synagoge" refers to a place of assembly, particularly a Jewish house of prayer and study. Jesus frequently taught in these public venues.
in the temple (ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ - en tō hierō): "Hieros" refers to the sacred precincts of the Temple in Jerusalem, the religious center for Jews. This was the primary place for worship and teaching on a grand scale.
where (ὅπου - hopou): A relative adverb indicating place.
all the Jews (πάντες οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι - pantes hoi Ioudaioi): "Pantes" means all; "hoi Ioudaioi" refers to the Jewish people. This emphasizes His audience included the entire Jewish community.
gather (συνάγονται - synagontai): The present indicative middle of "synagō," meaning to gather together, assemble. This points to the communal nature of worship and learning in synagogues and the Temple.
I have spoken (ἐλάλησα - elalēsa): Again, emphasizing the public nature of His speech.
in secret (ἐν κρυπτῷ - en kryptō): "Kryptos" means hidden, secret, concealed. Jesus asserts that His teaching was the opposite of secretive.
Speaking Openly (παρρησίᾳ - parrēsia): This concept is central to Jesus' defense, contrasting with the clandestine way His accusers and judges were operating.
Always Taught (πάντοτε ἐδίδαξα - pantote edidaxa): This reinforces the consistent, public nature of His ministry over time.
Public Venues (Synagogues and Temple - ἐν συναγωγαῖς... ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ - en synagōgais... en tō hierō): These locations signify accessible, public spaces where religious and societal discourse occurred for the Jewish people.
No Secret Teaching: Jesus explicitly denies engaging in hidden or covert instruction, presenting His entire ministry as transparent and above board.
John 18 20 Bonus Section
Jesus' assertion about teaching openly in synagogues and the Temple connects to Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah’s teaching (e.g., Isaiah 9:2, which speaks of light coming to those in darkness through public teaching). It also echoes the pattern established by the prophets and religious leaders throughout Israel's history who spoke God's word publicly. His very presence and teaching in these places often challenged the religious establishment, as seen when He cleansed the Temple. His refusal to teach in secret was a fundamental aspect of His identity as the Truth (John 14:6), requiring an open confrontation with falsehood and deception. His consistent approach also served as a model for His followers.
John 18 20 Commentary
Jesus' response to Annas in John 18:20 is a powerful affirmation of His public ministry. He didn't operate in the shadows but proclaimed God's truth in the very places where the Jewish people gathered for worship and learning – synagogues and the Temple. His teaching was always intended for all, and there was no hidden agenda or secret doctrine. This directly countered any implication that He was leading some clandestine movement. By emphasizing His consistent, open teaching in the most public settings, Jesus highlighted the legitimacy and transparency of His mission. It contrasts sharply with the secrecy of His arrest and interrogation.