John 18:22

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?”

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 18:22 captures a deeply unjust moment during Jesus' illegal night trial before Annas, the former high priest. Following Jesus' calm and truthful assertion that He had taught publicly and openly, one of the temple officers, perceiving His words as disrespectful to the high priest's authority, struck Him across the face. This unprovoked act of physical abuse and humiliation underscores the lawlessness and contempt Jesus endured, highlighting the profound injustice at the very outset of His passion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the initial phase of Jesus' trial, immediately after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Following His capture, Jesus is first brought to Annas, the father-in-law of the reigning high priest Caiaphas, reflecting Annas's enduring influence despite his official removal from office (cf. [John 18:13](/john/18-13 "John 18:13 - Jesus Led to Annas")). Annas begins questioning Jesus about His disciples and teaching. Jesus responds by affirming His public ministry and challenging Annas to inquire of those who heard Him, stating, "I have said nothing in secret" ([John 18:20](/john/18-20 "John 18:20 - Jesus' Public Teaching")). The officer's strike in [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck by an Officer") is a direct, violent reaction to Jesus' perceived insolence in this exchange, setting a tone of intimidation and abuse that pervades the subsequent trial proceedings before Caiaphas and Pilate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before Annas and Caiaphas was riddled with procedural irregularities and violations of Jewish law. Trials were not to be held at night, nor could a person be condemned on the same day as the trial. Furthermore, striking a defendant before conviction was strictly forbidden. Annas, though no longer the official high priest, retained immense power and influence due to his lineage and the fact that five of his sons and his son-in-law (Caiaphas) served as high priests. The officer's action was not merely a spontaneous outburst but an act intended to enforce deference to authority and to humiliate Jesus publicly. In the ancient Near East, a slap to the face was a profound insult, a gesture of contempt designed to degrade the recipient and assert the superiority of the one delivering the blow. It was an act of shaming, meant to break the spirit and silence any perceived defiance.
* **Key Themes:** [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck by an Officer") contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the **injustice and abuse of power** inherent in Jesus' trial. He is struck not for a crime, but for speaking truth and challenging an illegitimate process, foreshadowing the pervasive corruption of the authorities who seek His condemnation. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' profound humility and endurance** in suffering. Though not explicitly detailed in this verse, the broader Gospel accounts show Jesus enduring such indignities with remarkable patience and non-retaliation, fulfilling prophecies of the suffering Messiah found in passages like [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance"). Lastly, the incident underscores the **confrontation of divine truth with human authority**. Jesus' unwavering commitment to speaking truth, even when it provoked violence from powerful religious leaders, demonstrates His divine authority and integrity in the face of human corruption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **struck (Greek, _dídōmi'_ / _rhápisma'_):** The KJV translates a combination of G1325 (dídōmi, "to give") and G4475 (rhápisma, "a slap"). The verb _dídōmi_ here is used idiomatically with _rhápisma_ to mean "to give a slap" or "to strike with the palm of the hand." This specific phrasing emphasizes the nature of the blow as a "slap" or "box on the ear," which was a gesture of contempt, humiliation, and insult rather than a severe beating intended to inflict significant physical injury. It was designed to degrade and assert dominance.
* **officers (Greek, _hypērétēs'_):** This term (G5257) refers to an "under-oarsman," and by extension, a subordinate, assistant, or constable. In this context, _hypērétēs_ denotes a temple guard or servant of the high priest, acting under his authority. The fact that an officer, rather than Annas himself, delivered the blow highlights the hierarchical nature of the abuse and the willingness of subordinates to enforce the perceived authority of their superiors, even through unlawful means.
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** The term (G749) refers to the chief priest, specifically the Jewish high priest. While Caiaphas was the reigning high priest, Annas held immense influence and was still referred to by this title out of respect for his former office and continuing power. The officer's question, "Answerest thou the high priest so?", reveals the perceived affront to Annas's esteemed position and the officer's attempt to defend that authority through violence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had thus spoken":** This phrase immediately connects the officer's action to Jesus' preceding words in [John 18:20-21](/john/18-20-21 "John 18:20-21 - Jesus' Public Teaching and Challenge to Annas"). Jesus had just affirmed His public teaching and challenged Annas to question those who heard Him, effectively refusing to engage in a secret, unlawful interrogation. The officer's violent response is a direct reaction to this perceived defiance or insolence.
* **"one of the officers which stood by":** This specifies the perpetrator as a temple guard, a subordinate acting on behalf of the religious authorities. His presence "standing by" indicates his role in maintaining order and enforcing the will of the high priest. The anonymity ("one of the officers") emphasizes the systemic nature of the injustice rather than focusing on an individual's malice.
* **"struck Jesus with the palm of his hand":** This is the core action of the verse. The Greek term for "struck with the palm of his hand" (rhápisma) denotes a slap, a blow intended to humiliate and insult rather than to inflict severe physical harm. It was a gesture of contempt and a public shaming, meant to put Jesus in His place and enforce submission to the high priest's authority.
* **"saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?":** This accompanying question reveals the officer's motivation: he perceived Jesus' truthful and direct answer as disrespect towards the high priest. It underscores the expectation of absolute deference to authority, even when that authority is acting unlawfully. The question is rhetorical, serving as a justification for the violent act and a warning against further perceived insolence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the "officer" (a representative of law and order) commits an unlawful act of violence against an innocent man who has just spoken the truth. This highlights the perversion of justice. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as this initial physical abuse is but a prelude to the more severe beatings, scourging, and crucifixion Jesus will endure, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance")). Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** between Jesus' calm, truthful, and dignified response to Annas's questioning and the officer's immediate, violent, and unlawful reaction. This contrast underscores Jesus' moral superiority and the depravity of His accusers and their agents. The slap itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the world's rejection of divine truth and the contempt with which humanity often treats God's messengers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 18:22 offers a profound glimpse into the nature of Christ's suffering and the character of God's justice. The unprovoked slap highlights the depth of the injustice Jesus willingly endured, not for any wrongdoing of His own, but as part of His redemptive mission. It underscores the moral depravity of humanity, which, even in the guise of religious authority, resorts to violence and intimidation against truth. Theologically, this moment is a powerful demonstration of Christ's humility and obedience to the Father's will, as He submits to indignity without retaliation. It reminds us that His suffering began not just on the cross, but with every indignity, every false accusation, and every act of contempt He faced. This voluntary endurance of injustice is central to His atoning work, demonstrating His perfect love and solidarity with a suffering humanity.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant Endures Insults")
* [Matthew 26:67-68](/matthew/26-67-68 "Matthew 26:67-68 - Jesus Mocked and Struck")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 18:22, though brief, is a poignant reminder of the cost of truth and the nature of Christ's suffering for us. It challenges us to consider our own responses when faced with injustice or contempt. Jesus' example of enduring such an indignity without retaliation, even when He possessed all power, calls us to a higher standard of grace and patience. In a world often quick to anger and retaliation, His quiet endurance models a radical counter-cultural response. This verse also compels us to reflect on our willingness to speak truth, even when it might lead to personal discomfort or opposition. Just as Jesus spoke openly and truthfully, we are called to stand firm in our convictions, relying on the Holy Spirit for courage and wisdom. Ultimately, contemplating this moment deepens our appreciation for the immense sacrifice Jesus made, where every indignity, every blow, and every act of contempt was part of the path to our salvation, revealing the depth of His love and obedience to the Father's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' response to injustice in this verse challenge my natural inclination to retaliate or defend myself?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to speak truth, even if it might lead to opposition or discomfort?**
* **How does understanding the specific humiliation of being struck with the palm of the hand deepen my appreciation for Christ's suffering?**
* **What does this incident reveal about the nature of human authority when it rejects divine truth?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus struck by an officer, and was this legal?**

Answer: Jesus was struck by an officer because His truthful and direct answer to the high priest Annas was perceived as disrespectful or insolent. Jesus had just stated that He had taught openly and that Annas should question those who heard Him, rather than conducting a secret interrogation ([John 18:20-21](/john/18-20-21 "John 18:20-21 - Jesus' Public Teaching and Challenge to Annas")). The officer's blow was an act of intimidation and humiliation, meant to enforce deference to the high priest's authority. This act was absolutely not legal under Jewish law. Jewish legal procedures strictly forbade striking a defendant before conviction, and trials were not to be held at night. This incident highlights the profound injustice and lawlessness that characterized Jesus' entire trial process.

**What does this incident reveal about Jesus' character?**

Answer: While [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck by an Officer") focuses on the action of the officer, it implicitly reveals much about Jesus' character. His preceding words demonstrate His unwavering commitment to truth and His refusal to submit to an unlawful interrogation. His silent endurance of the slap, without retaliation or verbal retort (as seen in parallel accounts like [Matthew 26:67-68](/matthew/26-67-68 "Matthew 26:67-68 - Jesus Mocked and Struck") and explicitly stated in [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")), showcases His profound humility, patience, and divine self-control. He willingly submitted to indignity and abuse, fulfilling the prophetic role of the suffering servant who "did not open his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). This moment underscores His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unprovoked strike against Jesus in [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck by an Officer") is a poignant moment that finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in His role as the Suffering Servant and the Lamb of God. This initial act of physical abuse and humiliation foreshadows the entirety of His passion, where He, though innocent, willingly endured every indignity for the sake of humanity. The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would "give my back to those who strike me, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting" ([Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant Endures Insults")), a prophecy vividly fulfilled in this moment and throughout His trial. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, did not retaliate, but "when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")). His passive submission to such injustice is an active demonstration of His perfect obedience to the Father's redemptive plan, a plan that culminated in His atoning death on the cross. Every blow He received, every insult He bore, was part of the price paid to reconcile fallen humanity to a holy God, demonstrating the boundless love of God who "shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). Thus, the slap in the face of Jesus is not merely an act of human cruelty, but a foundational step in the divine drama of salvation, revealing the depth of Christ's condescension and the magnitude of His sacrifice to secure our eternal redemption.

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

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.