John 18:23

KJV

Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} him {G846}, If {G1487} I have spoken {G2980} evil {G2560}, bear witness {G3140} of {G4012} the evil {G2556}: but {G1161} if {G1487} well {G2573}, why {G5101} smitest {G1194} thou me {G3165}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered him, “If I said something wrong, state publicly what was wrong; but if I was right, why are you hitting me?”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”

American Standard Version

Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Captures a pivotal moment during Jesus' unlawful interrogation before Annas, the influential former high priest, immediately following His arrest. In this verse, Jesus confronts the injustice of being struck by an officer, challenging him to provide evidence of wrongdoing if He had spoken evil, or to explain the violence if He had spoken truthfully. This succinct yet profound response highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to truth, His dignified composure in the face of unprovoked aggression, and the profound illegality and moral bankruptcy of the proceedings against Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic opening scenes of Jesus' passion narrative in the Gospel of John. Following His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is first brought to Annas, the father-in-law of the reigning High Priest Caiaphas, for an initial, unofficial interrogation ([John 18:13](/john/18-13 "John 18:13 - Jesus Led to Annas")). Annas questions Jesus about His disciples and His teaching, to which Jesus responds by asserting that He has always spoken openly in public venues like synagogues and the temple, inviting Annas to question those who heard Him ([John 18:19-21](/john/18-19-21 "John 18:19-21 - Jesus' Open Teaching")). It is this direct, truthful, and legally sound response that provokes an officer standing nearby to strike Jesus, accusing Him of disrespecting the high priest ([John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck")). Jesus' calm and logical retort in [John 18:23](/john/18-23 "John 18:23 - Jesus' Response to Being Struck") immediately follows this assault, exposing the arbitrary nature of the violence and the complete lack of due process in His "trial." The narrative then proceeds to Jesus' transfer to Caiaphas ([John 18:24](/john/18-24 "John 18:24 - Jesus Sent to Caiaphas")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' interrogation before Annas was highly irregular and illegal by both Jewish and Roman legal standards. Jewish law, particularly the Mishnah, stipulated that trials must be held during the day, not at night; that no one could be convicted on their own testimony; and that capital cases required a formal hearing with witnesses. The striking of Jesus by an officer was a blatant violation of judicial decorum and a physical assault without legal justification, demonstrating the corrupt nature of the proceedings. High priests, even former ones like Annas, wielded immense political and religious power, often acting beyond the strictures of the law. The act of striking was a common form of intimidation and humiliation, designed to assert authority and elicit submission, but Jesus' response defied this expectation, upholding His dignity and the principles of justice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Injustice and Unlawful Process**, as Jesus is subjected to physical assault and an unfair trial without proper witnesses or accusations, highlighting the corrupt nature of human systems when confronted with divine truth. Jesus' response also champions the theme of **Upholding Truth and Righteousness**, as He demands proof of any wrongdoing, emphasizing His innocence and the baselessness of the officer's action, standing firm on the truth of His words and actions, much like He declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Furthermore, it showcases Jesus' **Dignity and Authority Amidst Suffering**, as even when physically assaulted and facing immense pressure, He maintains His composure and speaks with divine authority, exposing the moral bankruptcy of His accusers. This moment foreshadows His silent suffering later, fulfilling prophecies of the [Suffering Servant](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") found in Isaiah, particularly [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed and afflicted"). Finally, Jesus' demand for evidence, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?", serves as a poignant **Call for Due Process**, challenging the officer to provide evidence for his accusation rather than resorting to arbitrary violence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Greek, _kakōs'_):** From G2560, this adverb means "badly (physically or morally)." In this context, Jesus is asking if He has spoken in a morally corrupt or harmful way, implying a violation of truth or righteousness. His challenge is not merely about incorrect speech, but about speech that is inherently wrong or destructive.
* **bear witness (Greek, _martyréō'_):** From G3140, this verb means "to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)." Jesus demands that if He has spoken evil, a legal witness should come forward and provide testimony. This highlights the legal requirement for accusation to be substantiated by evidence and witnesses, a process conspicuously absent in His "trial."
* **smitest (Greek, _dérō'_):** From G1194, this verb means "to flay, i.e. (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash." It denotes a violent physical blow, not a gentle tap. The use of this word underscores the brutality and physical assault Jesus endured, emphasizing the unprovoked and unlawful nature of the officer's action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered him,"**: This phrase sets the stage for Jesus' direct and authoritative response to the officer's unprovoked assault. Despite being the accused, Jesus takes the initiative to speak, not in defense, but in challenge to the injustice.
* **"If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil:"**: Jesus presents a logical, conditional challenge. He demands that if His words were indeed "evil" (morally or legally wrong), then the accuser or any witness should provide specific testimony and evidence to substantiate the claim. This is a direct appeal to due process and legal fairness, which was being denied Him.
* **"but if well, why smitest thou me?"**: This second clause forms a powerful rhetorical question. If His words were "well" (morally good, truthful, and lawful), then there is no justification for the physical assault. This exposes the arbitrary and violent nature of the officer's action, revealing it as an act of intimidation rather than a response to any legitimate offense.

#### Literary Devices
The profound impact of [John 18:23](/john/18-23 "John 18:23 - Jesus' Response to Being Struck") is amplified by the masterful use of several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("why smitest thou me?"), which Jesus poses not to elicit information, but to make a forceful point and expose the injustice of the situation. This question highlights the absurdity and illegality of the officer's actions. There is also clear **Juxtaposition** between "spoken evil" and "spoken well," contrasting the two possibilities of Jesus' speech and the appropriate responses to each (witnessing vs. smiting). This sets up a logical dilemma for the officer, demonstrating the baselessness of his violence. Furthermore, the scene is steeped in **Irony**: Jesus, the innocent one, demands adherence to legal principles from those who are actively violating them. The very people entrusted with upholding the law are shown to be its greatest transgressors, a stark commentary on the corruption of power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 18:23](/john/18-23 "John 18:23 - Jesus' Response to Being Struck") serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of truth, justice, and divine suffering. Jesus' calm demand for evidence in the face of physical abuse underscores His perfect innocence and the inherent righteousness of His words and actions. It reveals that His suffering was not for any personal wrongdoing, but was an unjust act inflicted by a corrupt system. This moment foreshadows the greater injustice of His crucifixion, where He, the sinless Lamb of God, would bear the sins of the world. His response is a testament to the power of truth to expose evil, even when met with violence, and exemplifies the divine dignity maintained even in the depths of human degradation. It teaches us that God's truth stands firm against all forms of falsehood and oppression.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Submission")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")
* [Matthew 5:39](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turn the Other Cheek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 18:23](/john/18-23 "John 18:23 - Jesus' Response to Being Struck") offers a powerful model for believers navigating injustice and opposition. Jesus' response is not one of retaliation or anger, but a dignified appeal to truth and logic, even when facing physical violence. This teaches us the importance of maintaining composure and integrity when falsely accused or unjustly treated. We are called to stand firm on the truth of God's Word and our own righteous conduct, rather than succumbing to the temptation to respond in kind to aggression. Furthermore, this passage invites us to cultivate empathy for those who suffer injustice, reminding us that our Lord Himself experienced the depths of human cruelty and legal corruption. It challenges us to speak truth to power, to advocate for fairness, and to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when immediate circumstances seem to defy it. Jesus' example encourages us to confront evil with clarity and courage, relying on the power of truth rather than worldly force.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' response in this verse challenge our natural inclination to retaliate when we are unjustly treated or attacked?**
* **In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, "bear witness of the evil" or "speak well" in situations where truth is being distorted or injustice is occurring?**
* **What does Jesus' composure amidst suffering teach us about maintaining dignity and faith in our own difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus brought to Annas first, given that Caiaphas was the High Priest?**

Answer: Jesus was brought to Annas first, as recorded in [John 18:13](/john/18-13 "John 18:13 - Jesus Led to Annas"), because Annas, though no longer the official High Priest, retained immense influence and power within the Jewish religious establishment. He had served as High Priest from AD 6 to 15 and was the father-in-law of the current High Priest, Caiaphas. This initial interrogation by Annas was likely an informal, preliminary hearing designed to gather information, intimidate Jesus, and perhaps formulate charges before presenting Him to the official Sanhedrin under Caiaphas. It was a strategic move to leverage Annas's authority and experience in dealing with perceived threats to the religious order, even if it bypassed proper legal procedure.

**What was the significance of the officer striking Jesus, and how did Jesus' response address it?**

Answer: The officer striking Jesus, as described in [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck"), was a blatant act of disrespect, intimidation, and physical assault, completely unwarranted and illegal within any judicial process. It was meant to assert authority and silence Jesus' truthful, yet challenging, testimony. Jesus' response in [John 18:23](/john/18-23 "John 18:23 - Jesus' Response to Being Struck") directly addresses this injustice. He doesn't retaliate physically or verbally with anger. Instead, He appeals to reason and legal principle: "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?" This challenges the officer to provide evidence for his accusation, exposing the arbitrary and baseless nature of the violence. It highlights Jesus' perfect innocence and His commitment to truth and justice, even when He Himself is the victim of profound injustice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 18:23](/john/18-23 "John 18:23 - Jesus' Response to Being Struck") powerfully foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of prophecy and the very nature of Jesus' redemptive work. In this moment, Jesus embodies the Suffering Servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who "was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed and afflicted"))—though here He speaks to expose injustice, His overall demeanor is one of non-retaliation. His willingness to endure an unjust blow and demand truth without resorting to violence prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He, the sinless Lamb of God, would bear the full weight of human sin and injustice without a word of complaint against His tormentors. Peter later reflects on this, stating that Christ "when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")). Jesus' calm endurance and appeal to truth in [John 18:23](/john/18-23 "John 18:23 - Jesus' Response to Being Struck") reveal Him as the perfect High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), and the one whose unjust suffering secured our justification and peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")).

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

1 Peter 2:20

For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

1 Peter 2:23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

2 Corinthians 10:1

¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Acts 23:2

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Acts 23:5

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.