John 18:2

KJV

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Judas {G2455} also {G2532}, which {G3588} betrayed {G3860} him {G846}, knew {G1492} the place {G5117}: for {G3754} Jesus {G2424} ofttimes {G4178} resorted {G4863} thither {G1563} with {G3326} his {G846} disciples {G3101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Y’hudah, who was betraying him, also knew the place; because Yeshua had often met there with his talmidim.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.

American Standard Version

Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 18:2 provides a critical detail regarding the setting of Jesus' arrest, explaining how Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, was able to lead the arresting party directly to Jesus. It reveals that the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus and His disciples often gathered, was a familiar and predictable meeting spot for them. This intimate knowledge on Judas's part underscores the deliberate and calculated nature of his betrayal, setting the stage for the pivotal events of Jesus' passion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 18:2 immediately follows Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"), where He intercedes for His disciples and for all future believers. The narrative then transitions to Jesus and His disciples crossing the Kidron Valley to enter a garden, traditionally identified as Gethsemane. This verse serves as an explanatory parenthetical statement, clarifying *why* Judas knew precisely where to find Jesus. It sets the scene for the imminent arrest described in [John 18:3-11](/john/18-3-11 "John 18:3-11 - The Arrest of Jesus"), highlighting the calculated nature of the betrayal and Jesus' intentional, unwavering movement towards His destiny. The preceding chapters, [John 13-17](/john/13-17 "John 13-17 - The Farewell Discourse"), comprise Jesus' Farewell Discourse, where He prepares His disciples for His departure, foretells His betrayal, and promises the Holy Spirit, making the betrayal here a fulfillment of His own words.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, a garden across the Kidron Valley, was likely a private olive grove on the Mount of Olives, a common retreat for prayer and contemplation outside the bustling city of Jerusalem. During the Passover season, Jerusalem would have been crowded with pilgrims, making such a secluded spot ideal for private instruction and fellowship. The Kidron Valley itself held symbolic significance, often associated with judgment and death in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [2 Samuel 15:23](/2_samuel/15-23 "2 Samuel 15:23 - David Crosses the Kidron Valley")). The act of betrayal by a close associate was a profound violation of trust in ancient Near Eastern culture, where hospitality and loyalty within a group were paramount. Judas's actions, therefore, would have been seen as particularly heinous, not merely a legal transgression but a deep moral and social offense against his teacher and community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**. Despite Judas's deliberate act of betrayal, Jesus is not caught off guard; He is fully aware of the impending events, having even predicted them (e.g., [John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Foretells His Betrayal")). His presence in a known location, rather than hiding, speaks to His willing submission to the Father's plan. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Betrayal**. Judas's intimate knowledge of Jesus' habits and preferred meeting places underscores the depth of his treachery, transforming familiarity into a weapon. Thirdly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Openness and Accessibility**. Unlike those who plotted in secret, Jesus maintained a regular, known pattern of meeting with His disciples, demonstrating His transparency and the public nature of His ministry, even in His final hours. This openness stands in stark contrast to the clandestine actions of His enemies and His betrayer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas (Greek, _Ioúdas'_):** This name, of Hebrew origin (Yehudah), identifies the specific individual responsible for the betrayal. In this context, it immediately signals the tragic role of the disciple who would deliver Jesus to His enemies. The mention of his name here serves as a stark reminder of the personal nature of the betrayal, emphasizing that it came from one who was intimately acquainted with Jesus and His routines.
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), in its perfect tense form here, it signifies "to know" or "to be aware." This is not a casual acquaintance but a deep, settled knowledge. Judas's knowing the place implies a deliberate, informed choice to lead the arresting party there, leveraging his intimate understanding of Jesus' habits for nefarious purposes. This highlights the premeditation and calculated nature of his act.
* **resorted (Greek, _synágō'_):** This word means "to lead together," "collect," or "convene." In this context, it indicates that Jesus and His disciples regularly gathered or assembled at this specific location. The KJV's "ofttimes resorted thither" (combining _pollákis_ "many times" with _synágō_) emphasizes the habitual nature of these gatherings. This was not a one-off visit but a well-established pattern, making the location a predictable rendezvous point for Jesus and His followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place:"** This clause immediately establishes the central figure of the betrayal and his critical piece of information. The phrase "which betrayed him" is a descriptive participle that identifies Judas not just by name, but by his infamous act, setting the tone for the events that follow. His knowledge of "the place" is presented as the key enabler of the arrest, transforming a familiar gathering spot into a trap.
* **"for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples."** This explanatory clause provides the reason for Judas's knowledge. The term "ofttimes" (Greek _pollákis_) emphasizes the regularity and frequency of Jesus' visits to this specific garden. It was a habitual meeting place, a known sanctuary where Jesus would teach, pray, and fellowship with His closest followers. This detail highlights Jesus' pattern of openness and accessibility, even as it tragically becomes the means by which His betrayer can locate Him. The phrase "with his disciples" reinforces the communal aspect of these gatherings, making Judas's act of leading an armed group to this intimate setting even more poignant and treacherous.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the mention of Judas's knowledge of the place immediately signals the impending arrest of Jesus, building suspense for the narrative that follows. The phrase "which betrayed him" acts as a form of **epithet** or **apposition**, defining Judas by his most significant and damning act, even before the betrayal fully unfolds in this chapter. There is also a subtle **irony** in Jesus' regular, open gatherings with His disciples in a familiar place being precisely what allows His betrayer to find Him. This openness, characteristic of Jesus' ministry, becomes the very means of His capture, highlighting the tragic perversion of trust. The verse's concise nature, yet rich detail, demonstrates **narrative efficiency**, providing crucial background information without lengthy exposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 18:2 serves as a poignant reminder that even in moments of profound human treachery, God's sovereign plan remains on course. Judas's intimate knowledge and calculated betrayal, while a heinous act of human sin, did not thwart God's redemptive purposes. Instead, it became a necessary step in the unfolding of the divine drama of salvation, leading Jesus to the cross. This verse underscores the theme of divine foreknowledge and the willing submission of Christ, who, knowing all that was to happen to Him, did not hide but continued His established patterns, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will. The betrayal from within the inner circle also highlights the depth of human depravity and the pervasive nature of sin, even among those closest to God.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")
* [Luke 22:47-48](/luke/22-47-48 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas's Betrayal and Kiss")
* [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - The Arrest of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 18:2 is a stark reminder of the reality of betrayal, even from those we trust and share intimate moments with. It challenges us to confront the painful truth that familiarity can be exploited, and closeness does not guarantee loyalty. Yet, in this verse, we also see Jesus' profound composure and unwavering commitment to His mission. He did not flee or hide, but continued His regular practice, fully aware of the impending betrayal. For believers, this offers a powerful lesson in trusting God's sovereignty even when faced with deep personal hurt or disloyalty. It calls us to emulate Christ's steadfastness, to remain faithful to our calling and purpose, even when circumstances are difficult or when those we love turn against us. It reminds us that God's plan unfolds even amidst human treachery, and our ultimate security rests not in human faithfulness, but in divine faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judas's intimate knowledge of Jesus' habits challenge or reinforce your understanding of trust and betrayal within close relationships?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' willingness to remain in a known place, despite knowing of the impending betrayal, speak to His character and mission?**
* **How can we, like Jesus, demonstrate steadfastness and trust in God's plan when facing difficult circumstances or the unfaithfulness of others?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for John to mention that Judas "knew the place"?**

Answer: John's mention that Judas "knew the place" is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it explains the efficiency and directness of Jesus' arrest. Judas didn't need to search; he knew exactly where Jesus would be, highlighting the calculated nature of his betrayal. Secondly, it underscores the depth of Judas's treachery. He was not merely a passive participant but an active agent who leveraged his intimate knowledge gained from years of discipleship to facilitate the arrest. This detail reinforces the theme of betrayal from within Jesus' inner circle, making the act particularly grievous and premeditated. Finally, it sets the stage for Jesus' willing submission, as He did not hide but remained in a known location, demonstrating His intentional movement towards the cross.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 18:2, while detailing a moment of profound human treachery, ultimately points to the sovereign plan of God fulfilled in Christ. Judas's intimate knowledge of Jesus' frequent gathering place, which he used for betrayal, paradoxically highlights Jesus' complete self-giving. The Son of God did not conceal Himself or evade His captors; instead, He willingly presented Himself in a known location, embodying the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This act of being "delivered up" by one of His own, as foretold by the prophets (e.g., [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")), was a necessary step in God's redemptive plan. Just as Jesus had earlier declared that [no one takes His life from Him, but He lays it down of His own accord](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life"), His presence in Gethsemane, a place known to His betrayer, demonstrates His active participation in His own passion. This moment, steeped in human sin, becomes the very means through which God's eternal purpose for salvation is brought to fruition, culminating in the cross and resurrection, which offer [redemption and forgiveness of sins](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 22:39

¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Luke 21:37

And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.

Mark 11:11

And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

Mark 11:12

¶ And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: