John 18:24

Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Annas {G452} had sent {G649} him {G846} bound {G1210} unto {G4314} Caiaphas {G2533} the high priest {G749}.

So ‘Anan sent him, still tied up, to Kayafa the cohen hagadol.

Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.

Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

Commentary

John 18:24 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the unjust trial of Jesus, detailing the transfer of Jesus from Annas to Caiaphas. This verse signifies the formal continuation of the proceedings against Jesus by the Jewish religious authorities.

Context of John 18:24

Following His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was first brought before Annas (as seen in John 18:13). Annas, though no longer the official high priest, still wielded significant influence as the former high priest and father-in-law to the current high priest, Caiaphas. His initial interrogation of Jesus (recorded in John 18:19-23) was likely an informal preliminary hearing, intended to gather information or pressure Jesus before the more official proceedings. Verse 24 confirms that after this initial questioning, Annas "sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest," indicating the transition to the formal religious court.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unjust and Irregular Proceedings: The hurried transfer and the sequence of questioning highlight the irregular nature of Jesus's trial. Jewish law had specific procedures for trials, many of which were likely violated in the haste to condemn Jesus.
  • Transfer of Authority and Responsibility: Annas, having conducted his preliminary examination, formally hands Jesus over to Caiaphas, who held the legitimate position of high priest. This transfer underscores the collective decision of the religious establishment to condemn Jesus. Caiaphas himself had earlier prophesied, albeit unknowingly, about the necessity of Jesus dying for the nation (John 11:49-50).
  • Jesus as a Prisoner: The phrase "sent him bound" emphasizes Jesus's status as a captive, treated as a common criminal, despite his innocence. This image aligns with Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant who would be led "as a lamb to the slaughter" (Isaiah 53:7).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sent him bound" captures the Greek original vividly. The word "bound" (dedemenon) emphasizes Jesus's physical restraint, underscoring his status as a prisoner and the secure, formal nature of his transfer from one authority figure to another. This detail reinforces the narrative of Jesus being treated as a common criminal, rather than a spiritual leader or prophet.

Practical Application

John 18:24 reminds us that even when human systems of justice are corrupted or manipulated, God's sovereign plan remains in effect. Jesus willingly submitted to this unjust process, demonstrating His obedience to the Father and His profound love for humanity. For believers, this verse offers comfort that God is at work even in the midst of human injustice and betrayal. It also challenges us to consider how we respond when truth is suppressed or righteousness is condemned by the world.

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

Cross-References

  • John 18:13

    ¶ And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

  • Matthew 26:57

    ¶ And they that had laid hold on Jesus led [him] away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
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