John 18:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

Complete Jewish Bible:

So he inquired of them once more, “Whom do you want?” and they said, “Yeshua from Natzeret.”

Berean Standard Bible:

So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.

American Standard Version:

Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then{G3767} asked he{G1905} them{G846} again{G3825}, Whom{G5101} seek ye{G2212}? And{G1161} they said{G2036}, Jesus{G2424} of Nazareth{G3480}.

Cross-References (KJV):

John 18:4

  • Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:


Commentary for John 18:7

John 18:7 is a verse set within the broader context of the Passion of Christ, which is a pivotal event in Christian theology and history. The verse captures a moment during Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He has been praying with His disciples shortly before His crucifixion. As the authorities approach to apprehend Jesus, the verse reads, "Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth."

This question, "Whom seek ye?" is laden with dramatic irony; Jesus is fully aware of the intentions of the temple guards and Roman soldiers who have come to take Him into custody. The question serves to highlight His sovereignty and control over the situation, despite the apparent betrayal and hostility directed toward Him. The response, "Jesus of Nazareth," indicates the specific target of their search, emphasizing His earthly identity and the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and rejection.

The themes present in this verse include the fulfillment of scripture, as Jesus' life and death unfold according to divine plan. It also touches on the motif of misunderstanding and recognition, as those who come to arrest Jesus do not fully comprehend His divine nature or the salvific purpose of His impending sacrifice. Furthermore, the verse underscores the obedience of Jesus to the Father's will, as He willingly submits to the path that leads to the cross, an act that Christians believe secures redemption for humanity.

Historically, this event is significant as it sets the stage for the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus—events that are central to Christian faith and doctrine. The arrest of Jesus also illustrates the tension between the earthly authorities and the divine mission of Jesus, a conflict that is resolved through His resurrection and ascension, which affirm His lordship and the establishment of a new covenant between God and His people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G3767
    There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὖν
    Transliteration: oûn
    Pronunciation: oon
    Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
  2. Strong's Number: G1905
    There are 58 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐπερωτάω
    Transliteration: eperōtáō
    Pronunciation: ep-er-o-tah'-o
    Description: from ἐπί and ἐρωτάω; to ask for, i.e. inquire, seek:--ask (after, questions), demand, desire, question.
  3. Strong's Number: G846
    There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: αὐτός
    Transliteration: autós
    Pronunciation: ow-tos'
    Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
  4. Strong's Number: G3825
    There are 138 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πάλιν
    Transliteration: pálin
    Pronunciation: pal'-in
    Description: probably from the same as πάλη (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand:--again.
  5. Strong's Number: G5101
    There are 483 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: τίς
    Transliteration: tís
    Pronunciation: tis
    Description: probably emphatic of τὶς; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.
  6. Strong's Number: G2212
    There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ζητέω
    Transliteration: zētéō
    Pronunciation: dzay-teh'-o
    Description: of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):--be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means). Compare πυνθάνομαι.
  7. Strong's Number: G1161
    There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δέ
    Transliteration:
    Pronunciation: deh
    Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
  8. Strong's Number: G2036
    There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἔπω
    Transliteration: épō
    Pronunciation: ep'-o
    Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.
  9. Strong's Number: G2424
    There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
    Transliteration: Iēsoûs
    Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.
  10. Strong's Number: G3480
    There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ναζωραῖος
    Transliteration: Nazōraîos
    Pronunciation: nad-zo-rah'-yos
    Description: from Ναζαρέθ; a Nazoræan, i.e. inhabitant of Nazareth; by extension, a Christian:--Nazarene, of Nazareth.