John 18:22

And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

And {G1161} when he {G846} had {G2036} thus {G5023} spoken {G2036}, one {G1520} of the officers {G5257} which stood by {G3936} struck {G1325}{G4475} Jesus {G2424} with the palm of his hand {G1325}{G4475}, saying {G2036}, Answerest thou {G611} the high priest {G749} so {G3779}?

At these words, one of the guards standing by slapped Yeshua in the face and said, “This is how you talk to the cohen hagadol?”

When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?”

And when he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

John 18:22 captures a pivotal moment during Jesus' illegal night trial, highlighting the profound injustice He faced. This verse describes an officer striking Jesus, an act of physical abuse and intimidation, immediately following Jesus' calm and truthful response to the high priest Annas.

Context

This incident occurs during the initial phase of Jesus' trial before the Jewish authorities, specifically at the house of Annas, the former high priest and father-in-law to the reigning high priest, Caiaphas. Annas was still immensely influential. Jesus had just challenged Annas's secret questioning, stating that He had taught openly and said nothing in secret, and encouraged him to ask those who heard Him (John 18:21). The officer's strike was a reaction to this perceived insolence or disrespect towards the high priest's authority, meant to enforce submission and silence.

Key Themes

  • Injustice and Abuse of Power: The officer's unprovoked blow underscores the corruption and lawlessness of Jesus' trial. He was struck not for a crime, but for speaking truthfully and challenging an illegitimate process. This foreshadows the broader injustice of His condemnation.
  • Jesus' Humility and Endurance: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the Gospel accounts show Jesus enduring such indignities with remarkable patience and silence, fulfilling prophecies of the suffering Messiah. He did not retaliate, setting an example for believers (1 Peter 2:23).
  • Truth Confronting Authority: Jesus' previous statement, which provoked the blow, demonstrated His unwavering commitment to truth, even when facing powerful religious leaders who sought to condemn Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "struck" is rhapizo (ῥαπίζω), which specifically means to strike with the palm of the hand or a rod, often implying a degrading slap rather than a severe beating. This was an act of contempt and humiliation, designed to put Jesus in His place and assert the officer's authority.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful reminder of the cost of following Christ and the nature of His suffering for humanity. It challenges believers to:

  • Endure Injustice with Grace: Jesus' response to the blow, though not detailed here, implies a non-retaliatory posture. Believers are called to respond to mistreatment with a Christ-like spirit, trusting God for vindication (Matthew 5:39).
  • Speak Truth Boldly: Jesus' willingness to speak truth to power, even when it led to personal suffering, encourages Christians to stand firm in their convictions, relying on the Holy Spirit for courage.
  • Understand Christ's Sacrifice: Every indignity Jesus suffered, including this slap, was part of the immense sacrifice He made to secure salvation. It deepens our appreciation for His love and obedience.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 26:67

    Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

  • Matthew 26:68

    Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

  • Mark 14:65

    And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

  • Luke 22:63

    ¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

  • Luke 22:64

    And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

  • Isaiah 50:5

    The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

  • Isaiah 50:7

    For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

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