18:4 18:4

John 18:5

18:6 18:6

Bible Versions

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
They answered {G611} him {G846}, Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480}. Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, I {G1473} am {G1510} he. And {G1161} Judas {G2455} also {G2532}, which {G3588} betrayed {G3860} him {G846}, stood {G2476} with {G3326} them {G846}.
“Yeshua from Natzeret,” they answered. He said to them, “I AM.” Also standing with them was Y’hudah, the one who was betraying him.
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them.
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

John 18:5 (KJV) captures a pivotal moment in the arrest of Jesus, highlighting His divine identity and the stark reality of His betrayal. As a contingent of temple guards and Roman soldiers, accompanied by Judas, arrives to seize Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus confronts them directly, revealing His profound nature.

Context

This verse is set in the somber atmosphere of the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly after Jesus' intense prayer and His final teachings to His disciples. The group sent to arrest Jesus, equipped with lanterns, torches, and weapons (John 18:3), represents both Jewish religious authorities and Roman military power. When Jesus asks, "Whom seek ye?" (John 18:4), their reply, "Jesus of Nazareth," sets the stage for His profound response. The presence of Judas, the betrayer, standing among them, underscores the tragic nature of the event.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Authority: Despite being surrounded by armed men, Jesus is not a helpless victim. His question and subsequent declaration demonstrate His active control and willingness to surrender, rather than being passively captured. He initiates the conversation and reveals Himself.
  • Jesus' Divine Identity: The core of this verse is Jesus' profound declaration, "I am" (Greek: Egō eimi). This statement, particularly without the added "[he]" (which is supplied in KJV for clarity but not in the original Greek), echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. It is a powerful affirmation of His deity.
  • The Reality of Betrayal: The chilling detail that "Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them" serves as a stark reminder of the immense pain of treachery, especially from one so close. It highlights the depth of Jesus' suffering, enduring betrayal even as He asserts His divine nature.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I am" (Greek: Egō eimi) is crucial. In the King James Version, the word "[he]" is italicized, indicating it was added by the translators for readability and context, but is not present in the original Greek. Without "he," the declaration is a direct and absolute statement of being, powerfully connecting Jesus to God's self-revelation as "I AM THAT I AM." Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus uses this phrase in various contexts to assert His divine identity, such as "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58), and in His seven symbolic "I am" statements (e.g., the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, the true vine).

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

John 18:5 reminds us of Jesus' unwavering authority and self-awareness even in the face of immense opposition and betrayal. It teaches us that:

  • Jesus is fully God: His "I am" declaration is a foundational truth of Christianity, inviting us to worship Him as divine.
  • Jesus' sacrifice was voluntary: He was not taken by force but willingly surrendered Himself for the redemption of humanity, demonstrating unparalleled love and obedience to the Father's will.
  • Even in dark times, God is in control: Jesus' calm and authoritative stance in this moment provides comfort that even amidst chaos and betrayal, God's sovereign plan is unfolding.
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.

  • Jeremiah 8:12

    Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

  • John 19:19

    ¶ And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

  • Isaiah 3:9

    ¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

  • Matthew 21:11

    And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

  • John 1:46

    And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

  • Matthew 2:23

    And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
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