John 18:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of John 18:2

John 18:2 provides a crucial detail immediately preceding the arrest of Jesus. After His final discourse and prayer in John chapters 14-17, Jesus and His disciples have crossed the Kidron Valley and entered a garden, traditionally identified as the Garden of Gethsemane. This verse clarifies why Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, was able to lead the arresting party directly to Jesus: he knew Jesus' habits.

Jesus frequently met with His disciples at this specific location, making it a familiar and predictable gathering spot. This detail underscores the deliberate nature of Judas's betrayal, as he leveraged his intimate knowledge of Jesus' routine to facilitate the arrest.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Predictability of Jesus: Jesus did not hide; He had a regular, known meeting place with His disciples. This openness contrasts with the secrecy of His enemies' plot.
  • Judas's Intimate Knowledge and Deliberate Betrayal: The verse emphasizes that Judas "knew the place," highlighting his calculated and informed role in the betrayal. He was not merely a passive participant but an active agent who used his closeness to Jesus for nefarious ends. This intimate knowledge made his act particularly grievous.
  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Treachery: Despite Judas's betrayal, Jesus was fully aware of what was coming and willingly submitted to it, fulfilling prophecies concerning His suffering and death. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' peaceful surrender, even as He is sought out by His betrayer and arresting party (John 18:3).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "ofttimes resorted thither" (Greek: pollakis synฤ“chthฤ“ ekei) emphasizes the regularity and frequency of Jesus' visits to this specific place. It means He "often gathered there" or "frequently met there." This isn't a casual, one-time visit, but a well-established pattern. This regularity made it easy for Judas to anticipate Jesus' presence there, underscoring the calculated nature of his betrayal.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly precedes Jesus' arrest, as detailed in John 18:3. The act of betrayal by Judas is a recurring theme in the Gospels, often highlighting his role in the Passion narrative (e.g., Matthew 26:47-50, Luke 22:47-48). Jesus Himself had foretold this betrayal (John 13:21).

Practical Application: This verse serves as a sober reminder of the reality of betrayal, even from those closest to us. It highlights that evil can exploit familiarity and trust. Yet, it also implicitly reveals Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission; He did not flee or hide, but continued His regular practice, knowing full well the consequences. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God's plan unfolds even amidst human treachery, and calls us to trust in His sovereignty even when faced with difficult circumstances or disloyalty.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 22:39

    ยถ 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

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