John 18:4

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

Jesus {G2424} therefore {G3767}, knowing {G1492} all things {G3956} that should come {G2064} upon {G1909} him {G846}, went forth {G1831}, and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Whom {G5101} seek ye {G2212}?

Yeshua, who knew everything that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Whom do you want?”

Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?”

Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye?

John 18:4 marks a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, immediately preceding Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. This verse highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereign control even in the face of betrayal and imminent suffering.

Context

This verse opens the account of Jesus' arrest. Following His deeply emotional prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He wrestled with the Father's will (Luke 22:44), Judas Iscariot arrives with a detachment of Roman soldiers and temple guards to apprehend Him. The scene is one of darkness and impending violence, yet Jesus' response is one of calm authority, not panic or surprise.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Omniscience and Sovereignty: The phrase "Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him" is crucial. It underscores that Jesus was not a helpless victim caught off guard, but fully aware of the betrayal, the arrest, the trials, and the crucifixion that awaited Him. His knowledge was complete, demonstrating His divine nature and His ultimate control over the unfolding events. This foreknowledge is a consistent theme throughout John's Gospel, such as when He knew His hour had come.
  • Intentionality and Willingness: Despite knowing the immense suffering ahead, Jesus "went forth" to meet His captors. He did not hide or attempt to escape. This act signifies His deliberate and willing submission to the Father's plan, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His love for humanity.
  • Calm Authority in Crisis: Jesus' question, "Whom seek ye?", spoken directly to the armed multitude, reveals His profound composure and authority. He takes the initiative, confronting them directly rather than being passively seized. This moment sets the tone for His demeanor throughout His trials.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "knowing" here is eidōs (εἰδὼς), derived from the verb oida (οἶδα). This term signifies a complete, intuitive, and inherent knowledge, often implying knowledge gained by direct perception or divine revelation, rather than learning through experience. It highlights that Jesus' foreknowledge was not merely an educated guess but an absolute, divine certainty, reinforcing His unique identity as the Son of God.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. Just as Jesus faced His greatest challenge with full knowledge and unwavering resolve, we can find strength in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances. Even when we face difficult, painful, or uncertain situations, we can trust that God is aware, in control, and has a purpose. Jesus' example encourages us to face our trials with courage and intentionality, submitting to God's will and trusting in His ultimate plan, knowing that He is working all things for good.

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.

  • John 13:1

    ¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

  • John 18:7

    Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

  • Acts 20:22

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

  • Acts 20:23

    Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

  • Psalms 27:3

    Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

  • Acts 2:28

    Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

  • Acts 4:24

    And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

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