(The Lord speaking is red text)
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
So he inquired of them once more, “Whom do you want?” and they said, “Yeshua from Natzeret.”
So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.
Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Then{G3767} asked he{G1905} them{G846} again{G3825}, Whom{G5101} seek ye{G2212}? And{G1161} they said{G2036}, Jesus{G2424} of Nazareth{G3480}.
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
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)