John 18:23 kjv
Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
John 18:23 nkjv
Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?"
John 18:23 niv
"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?"
John 18:23 esv
Jesus answered him, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?"
John 18:23 nlt
Jesus replied, "If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I'm speaking the truth, why are you beating me?"
John 18 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 18:23 | "Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil, but if well, why do you strike me?”" | The immediate reaction of Jesus. |
| Isa 53:7 | "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth." | Prophecy of Jesus' silence and suffering. |
| Matt 26:52 | "Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place. For all who take the sword will die by the sword." | Jesus' directive against violent resistance. |
| Luke 22:51 | "But Jesus answered and said, “Permit up to this point.” And he touched his ear and healed him." | Jesus healing the ear of the high priest's servant. |
| 1 Pet 2:23 | "when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued to entrust himself to God who judges justly." | Instruction for believers mirroring Christ's example. |
| Ps 38:12-14 | "Those who seek my life lay snares for me; those who aim to injure me talk of my ruin; they speak of destruction and whisper deceits." | David's prayer amidst affliction, mirroring Christ's experience. |
| Ps 140:7 | "O Lord, Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who sheltered my head in the day of battle," | Prayer for deliverance and protection. |
| Prov 15:1 | "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." | The principle of a gentle response. |
| John 19:10-11 | "Then Pilate said to him, “Are you not answering me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?”" | Jesus' initial silence before authorities. |
| Mark 14:61 | "But he remained silent and gave no answer. Then the high priest asked him again, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”" | Jesus' silence during his trial. |
| Acts 8:32-33 | "Now the passage of the Scripture that the eunuch was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth." | The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Christ. |
| 1 Cor 6:7 | "To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather suffer loss?" | The Christian principle of enduring wrong. |
| Gal 5:23 | "against such things there is no law." | Meekness as a fruit of the Spirit. |
| John 18:36 | "Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have fought, that I might not be delivered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the buradan.”" | Jesus' explanation of His kingdom's nature. |
| John 18:37 | "Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. To this end I was born and to this end I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”" | Jesus' affirmation of His kingship tied to truth. |
| John 18:38 | "Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him.”" | Pilate's skepticism and the verdict of innocence. |
| Ps 119:59-60 | "I consider my ways and turn my feet back to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments." | Commitment to God's ways amidst trials. |
| Matt 5:39 | "but if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." | Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek. |
| Rom 12:17 | "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." | The principle of repaying good for evil. |
| Rom 12:19 | "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”" | The mandate to not take personal vengeance. |
John 18 verses
John 18 23 Meaning
This verse describes a confrontation where Jesus responds to being struck. His response is characterized by a questioning tone directed at the one who struck Him, seeking a reason or justification. It highlights Jesus' meekness, His submission to the will of God, and His unresisting nature even when subjected to unjust treatment.
John 18 23 Context
The immediate context of John 18:23 is the unjust arrest and trial of Jesus. After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was brought before Annas, the former High Priest, who began to question Him. During this questioning, one of the Jewish officials struck Jesus. This verse is Jesus' calm and reasoned response to this physical assault. The broader context of John's Gospel is the unfolding narrative of Jesus' Passion, demonstrating His divine nature, His authority, and His willing submission to the Father's plan for salvation, even unto death. The encounter before Annas is a preliminary stage of the trial that leads to Caiaphas and eventually to the Roman authorities.
John 18 23 Word Analysis
Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The name of the Messiah, meaning "Yahweh is salvation."
answered (ἀπεκρίθη - apekrithē): "replied," "answered." Indicates a verbal response to an action or question.
him (αὐτῷ - autō): Refers to the official who struck Jesus.
If (ἐὰν - ean): A conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical statement.
I (ἐγώ - egō): Self-reference by Jesus.
have spoken (εἴ τι - ei ti): "if something," "if at all." Questions the very nature of any perceived wrongdoing.
evil (φαῦλον - phaulon): "bad," "ill," "worthless," "of poor quality," "wrong." Refers to misconduct or wrongdoing.
bear witness (μαρτύρησον - martyrēsou): "testify," "give evidence." A challenge to provide proof of the accusation.
of the evil (τῷ φαύλῳ - tō phaulō): "concerning the badness/evil." The specific charge or offense.
but (εἰ δὲ - ei de): A conjunction introducing a contrast or alternative.
well (καλῶς - kalōs): "well," "rightly," "beautifully," "excellently." The opposite of speaking evil.
why (τί - ti): "what," "why." A question seeking a reason or cause.
do you strike (δέρεις - dereis): "strike," "beat," "strike with a whip or rod." Refers to the physical act of striking.
me (με - me): The object of the striking action.
Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil, but if well, why do you strike me?”: This phrase collectively conveys Jesus' measured and direct response to unlawful physical abuse during a judicial process, appealing to reason and evidence. The phrase "bear witness of the evil" challenges the accuser to prove their accusation rather than resort to violence. The contrast between "evil" and "well" sets up a dichotomy requiring justification for the action taken.
John 18 23 Bonus Section
This event at Annas’ house was part of the unlawful preliminary examination of Jesus. The Sanhedrin's laws required formal accusations and testimonies before judgment, which were absent here. Annas, despite no longer being the official High Priest, still held significant influence, and his interrogation preceded the appearance before Caiaphas. Jesus’ question highlights this illegitimacy; if He had done wrong, there should have been a legal process to present evidence. Instead, He faced brute force, a tactic often used when arguments fail or when authority is unjustly exercised. His willingness to endure this, rather than retaliate, further displays His divine meekness and authority, proving He was in control of the situation even while being physically abused.
John 18 23 Commentary
Jesus' response in John 18:23 is a model of dignified self-control and an appeal to justice, even when facing injustice. It demonstrates His awareness of His own sinless nature and His adherence to truth. His question is not an aggressive challenge but a request for accountability, highlighting the unreasonableness of punishment without conviction. This verse echoes the prophetic suffering of the Servant described in Isaiah 53, where He opens not His mouth. Jesus’ behavior here reflects His broader teaching on non-resistance to evil (Matthew 5:39) and His commitment to fulfill God’s will rather than assert His own rights. His response before Annas underscores His sovereignty even in His suffering.