John 18 20

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 verses

John 18 20 Meaning

In John 18:20, Jesus asserts the public nature and transparency of His ministry. He declares that His teachings have always been openly delivered in well-known Jewish religious institutions, the synagogues and the Temple, accessible to all, and that He never engaged in secret or subversive activities. This statement serves as a direct refutation of the high priest Annas' implied accusation of secretive, seditious plotting, positioning Jesus' actions as legitimate and divinely sanctioned within the framework of Jewish life.

John 18 20 Context

John chapter 18 details the arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane, His initial interrogation before Annas, the former High Priest and influential father-in-law of the current High Priest Caiaphas, followed by His appearance before Caiaphas and then Pilate. This verse specifically occurs during Jesus' irregular interrogation by Annas, who probes Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Annas, trying to extract a self-incriminating statement without proper legal procedure or witnesses, essentially accuses Jesus of leading a secret, potentially subversive movement. Jesus' reply in John 18:20 directly addresses and refutes this underlying insinuation by affirming the absolute openness and public nature of His ministry, highlighting that His teachings were entirely transparent and performed in highly public venues known to all Jews. This response also tactfully deflects the impropriety of the questioning back onto Annas, implicitly calling for witnesses in accordance with Jewish law (Deut 19:15). Historically, trials held at night or lacking witnesses were highly irregular and legally suspect, further emphasizing Jesus' defense.

John 18 20 Word analysis

• Jesus answered him: Signifies a calm, composed, and authoritative response, not a cowering admission of guilt. It highlights His self-possession and readiness to articulate His defense.
• 'I have spoken openly': The Greek term is parrēsia (παρρησίᾳ), which implies speaking boldly, frankly, publicly, and without concealment or ambiguity. It emphasizes transparency and a lack of hidden motives, a hallmark of Jesus' teaching style and mission. This was a direct contrast to the secretive political plots often suspected by authorities.
• 'to the world': (τῷ κόσμῳ - tō kosmō). Refers not just to a small circle of followers, but to the broad public, symbolizing the universal scope and accessibility of His message. It includes both Jews and, in principle, Gentiles, contrasting a sectarian leader.
• 'I have always taught': Underscores the consistent and uninterrupted nature of His public ministry. It wasn't an isolated event, but a pattern of engagement.
• 'in synagogues': Jewish houses of worship and instruction. These were common, local, and publicly accessible forums for religious teaching, well-known gathering places throughout Judea and Galilee. Teaching here was sanctioned and expected.
• 'and in the temple': The most central and sacred place of Jewish worship in Jerusalem, attracting pilgrims and locals. It was the absolute busiest and most public venue for religious discourse, further attesting to the openness of His ministry.
• 'where all the Jews come together': This phrase emphasizes the high visibility and accessibility of these locations. His teaching was not confined to hidden corners or select audiences, but occurred where the largest number of Jewish people congregated.
• 'I have said nothing in secret': (ἐν κρυπτῷ ἐλάλησα οὐδέν - en kryptō elalēsa ouden). This is a strong, definitive negation. It explicitly rejects any insinuation of hidden teachings, conspiratorial discussions, or clandestine activities, thereby affirming His moral and spiritual integrity against the high priest's charges.

Words-group analysis

• "I have spoken openly...I have always taught": This pair of statements defines Jesus' ministry as one characterized by complete transparency and consistent public engagement, countering any notion of hidden agendas.
• "in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together": This grouping provides undeniable evidence of the public nature and legitimacy of His ministry's venues, chosen specifically for their broad reach and visibility within Jewish society. It implies that His words were subject to scrutiny by a wide audience, preventing secret teachings.
• "I have said nothing in secret": This conclusive phrase summarizes His defense, affirming His forthrightness and lack of subterfuge, a stark contrast to the darkness and deception associated with the illegal proceedings against Him.

John 18 20 Bonus section

• Contrast with false prophets/messiahs: Throughout history, and especially in the Second Temple period, various cultic or political figures often operated in secrecy, gathering followers in hidden locations for subversive or esoteric purposes. Jesus' strong emphasis on openness (parrēsia) clearly distinguishes His messianic mission from such movements, underscoring its divine and legitimate character.
• Jesus' method of defense: Jesus does not directly answer Annas' questions about His disciples or teaching methods (which would allow Annas to further entrap Him). Instead, He deflects by stating verifiable facts about His public teaching, essentially saying, "You know what I've taught, everyone does. If you need details, ask those who heard me publicly, not me under these irregular circumstances." This challenges the High Priest's disregard for legal procedure requiring witnesses.
• Implication for believers: Jesus' public transparency sets an example for His followers, encouraging them to live openly and bear witness to their faith without concealment, even when facing opposition. The early church also understood the call to speak with parrēsia (Acts 4:13, Eph 6:19).

John 18 20 Commentary

Jesus' declaration in John 18:20 is His definitive statement on the integrity and transparency of His ministry. Facing an unlawful, night-time interrogation without proper witnesses, Jesus leverages the impropriety of the situation to defend Himself not by evasion, but by asserting the readily verifiable public nature of His entire life's work. His teaching venues—synagogues and the Jerusalem Temple—were the most public and universally recognized institutions in Jewish society, ensuring that His message and methods were constantly exposed to a broad spectrum of the Jewish population, including their leaders. By stating "I have said nothing in secret," Jesus discredits the notion that He was a clandestine revolutionary or cult leader. His reply not only functions as a factual defense but also indirectly rebukes Annas for conducting a secret trial against a publicly known figure, thereby highlighting the injustice and illegitimacy of the proceedings themselves. His ministry was not hidden in darkness, but a light revealed to all who wished to hear.