John 18:5

KJV

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Yeshua from Natzeret,” they answered. He said to them, “I AM.” Also standing with them was Y’hudah, the one who was betraying him.

Berean Standard Bible

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them.

American Standard Version

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 18:5 captures the dramatic confrontation between Jesus and His arresting party in the Garden of Gethsemane. As the temple guards and Roman soldiers, accompanied by Judas Iscariot, seek "Jesus of Nazareth," the Lord responds with a profound declaration of His divine identity, "I am," which causes His adversaries to fall back. This verse powerfully intertwines Jesus' sovereign authority and self-revelation with the stark reality of His betrayal by one of His own disciples, setting the stage for the Passion narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The narrative of [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John") has been building towards this climactic moment of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Immediately preceding [John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus' 'I Am' Declaration"), Jesus has concluded His profound Farewell Discourse (John 13-17) and offered His High Priestly Prayer ([John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer")) for His disciples and all believers. He has then deliberately gone to the Garden of Gethsemane ([John 18:1](/john/18-1 "John 18:1 - Jesus Enters Gethsemane")), knowing full well that Judas would lead His captors there. The preceding verses ([John 18:2-4](/john/18-2-4 "John 18:2-4 - Judas Leads the Arresting Party")) describe Judas's arrival with a detachment of soldiers and temple guards, and Jesus' proactive step of asking, "Whom do you seek?" ([John 18:4](/john/18-4 "John 18:4 - Jesus Asks Whom They Seek")), demonstrating His control over the situation rather than being a passive victim. This sets the stage for His powerful "I am" declaration, which is met with a supernatural response from His adversaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The arresting party in [John 18:3](/john/18-3 "The Arresting Party") comprised both "a detachment of soldiers" (Greek: _speira_, likely a Roman cohort or part of one, indicating Roman military involvement) and "officers from the chief priests and Pharisees" (Jewish temple guards). This dual presence underscores the combined religious and political authority arrayed against Jesus, highlighting the broad opposition He faced. The use of "lanterns and torches" ([John 18:3](/john/18-3 "Lanterns and Torches")) suggests the arrest occurred at night, likely after the Passover Seder, adding to the clandestine and ominous atmosphere. The Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives, was a familiar place for Jesus and His disciples, making it an ideal, albeit tragic, location for Judas's betrayal. The Jewish authorities sought to arrest Jesus quietly to avoid popular uprising, especially during the Passover festival, which drew large crowds to Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** [John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus' Divine Identity and Betrayal") is rich with themes central to [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control**: Despite the appearance of a capture, Jesus is depicted as fully in command, willingly submitting to the Father's plan. His question and subsequent declaration are active choices, not reactions of a helpless victim. This aligns with His earlier statements about laying down His life voluntarily ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily")). Another crucial theme is **Jesus' Divine Identity and Deity**: The "I am" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) statement is a profound theological assertion, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"). This declaration, particularly potent in the context of His arrest, underscores His inherent divinity even in His moment of deepest humiliation. Finally, the verse highlights the painful reality of **Betrayal and Human Sin**: The presence of Judas, "who betrayed him," starkly reminds us of the human capacity for treachery and the depth of sin, even against divine love. This betrayal is a fulfillment of prophecy and a necessary part of God's redemptive plan, yet it does not diminish the culpability of the betrayer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **I (Greek, _egṓ'_):** This is the emphatic first-person singular pronoun, "I." In the context of "I am," its presence underscores the personal and authoritative nature of Jesus' declaration. It is not merely a statement about someone else, but a direct self-identification, emphasizing His unique personhood and divine authority. This pronoun is only expressed when emphatic, highlighting the significance of Jesus' self-declaration here.
* **am (Greek, _eimí'_):** This is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb "to be," meaning "I exist." When used absolutely, especially in the context of the divine name, it signifies eternal, self-existent being. In [John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus' 'I Am' Declaration"), its emphatic use without a predicate (like "he") points directly to Jesus' divine nature, echoing the covenant name of God, "I AM THAT I AM."
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb means "to surrender, yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it carries the heavy connotation of "to deliver over" or "to betray." It highlights Judas's active and deliberate role in handing Jesus over to the authorities, an act of treachery that stands in stark contrast to Jesus' sovereign self-surrender.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth."**: This clause establishes the target of the arresting party. They identify Jesus by His earthly origin, "of Nazareth," a common way to distinguish individuals in that time. This mundane, human identification sets up a powerful contrast with Jesus' subsequent divine self-revelation, highlighting the limited understanding of those who sought Him.
* **"Jesus saith unto them, "I am [he]."":** This is the theological core of the verse. Jesus' direct response, "I am," is an absolute declaration of His divine identity. The word "[he]" is supplied by the KJV translators for grammatical flow in English, but it is absent in the original Greek (_Egō eimi_). Without "he," the statement directly echoes the divine name YHWH ("I AM THAT I AM") revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Revelation of 'I AM'"). This declaration is not merely an affirmation of His identity as the one they seek, but a profound assertion of His eternal, self-existent deity, which immediately causes His captors to recoil in awe or fear.
* **"And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them."**: This final clause serves as a chilling reminder of the betrayal. The presence of Judas, explicitly identified as the one "which betrayed him," underscores the profound tragedy and personal pain of this moment for Jesus. His standing "with them" visually confirms his alignment with the adversaries, completing the act of treachery and highlighting the depth of human sin even within Jesus' inner circle.

#### Literary Devices
[John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus' Divine Authority and Betrayal") employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is profoundly present, as the armed contingent comes to seize Jesus, yet it is His mere verbal declaration, "I am," that causes them to fall backward, demonstrating His inherent power and control over the situation. They seek to capture Him, but He reveals Himself as the one who cannot truly be captured against His will. **Contrast** is also central: the mundane identification of "Jesus of Nazareth" by the crowd stands in stark opposition to Jesus' divine self-identification as "I am." This highlights the chasm between human perception and divine reality. Furthermore, the inclusion of Judas's presence serves as a poignant use of **Pathos**, evoking a sense of sorrow and indignation at the betrayal of a friend, intensifying the emotional weight of the scene. The entire scene functions as a dramatic **Theophany**, a manifestation of God, albeit in a moment of apparent weakness and impending suffering, reinforcing Jesus' divine nature even in His humiliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus' 'I Am' and Sovereign Control") is a pivotal verse that profoundly asserts Jesus' divine identity and sovereign control even in the face of His arrest. His declaration, "I am," is far more than a simple affirmative; it is a direct echo of the divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as 'I AM'")). This absolute "I am" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) is a recurring motif in [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John"), where Jesus uses it to declare His unique relationship with the Father and His essential being (e.g., "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," "I am the resurrection and the life"). The immediate physical reaction of the arresting party, falling backward, serves as a powerful testament to the inherent, undeniable power emanating from His divine presence. This moment underscores that Jesus is not a helpless victim but willingly, and with full authority, submits to the Father's plan for redemption. The presence of Judas, the betrayer, highlights the depth of human sin and the cost of Jesus' mission, yet even this act of treachery falls within the scope of God's sovereign will.

* [John 6:20](/john/6-20 "John 6:20 - Jesus Walks on Water and Says 'I Am'")
* [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Pre-existence: 'Before Abraham was, I am'")
* [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - The Sovereign 'I Am' in Betrayal") offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that even in moments of profound vulnerability and betrayal, Christ remains sovereign and fully God. His calm, authoritative declaration of "I am" in the face of an armed mob demonstrates a profound self-awareness and control that transcends human understanding. This scene invites us to trust in Jesus' ultimate authority over all circumstances, even when our own lives feel chaotic or out of control. It reminds us that His sacrifice on the cross was not a forced act but a voluntary, deliberate surrender motivated by immense love for humanity. Furthermore, the stark reality of Judas's betrayal, standing among the enemies, serves as a sobering reminder of the pain of treachery and the pervasive nature of sin, even within the closest circles. Yet, even this betrayal was woven into God's redemptive plan, assuring us that God can use even the darkest human actions to accomplish His perfect will, ultimately working all things for the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' declaration "I am" in this moment of vulnerability strengthen your understanding of His divine nature and sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control to Jesus, trusting in His sovereign plan even when circumstances seem overwhelming or unjust?**
* **How does the presence of Judas in this scene challenge you to consider the reality of betrayal, both as a potential victim and as someone who might betray Christ through disobedience or indifference?**

### FAQ
**Why did the arresting party fall backward when Jesus said, "I am"?**

Answer: The immediate physical reaction of the arresting party—falling backward to the ground ([John 18:6](/john/18-6 "John 18:6 - The Arresting Party Falls Back"))—is a dramatic demonstration of the inherent power and divine authority residing in Jesus. When Jesus declared "I am" (Greek: _Egō eimi_), He was not merely identifying Himself as "Jesus of Nazareth" but was uttering a profound statement of His divine being, echoing the sacred name of God revealed in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Revelation of 'I AM'"). This was a manifestation of His glory and power, albeit subtle, in a moment of apparent weakness. Their falling back was not due to a physical push but a supernatural response to the sheer weight of His divine presence and the authority of His words, confirming that He was not being taken by force but was willingly submitting to the Father's plan. It foreshadows His ultimate victory over death and sin, asserting His control even as He appears to be captured.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus' Sovereign Surrender") stands as a profound Christ-centered moment, revealing the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus' "I am" declaration, echoing the divine name of [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Covenant Name"), signifies that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is now present in human flesh, willingly submitting to the Father's will for the redemption of humanity. This is not a passive arrest but a sovereign act of self-surrender, where the Creator allows Himself to be taken by His creation for a greater purpose. The power that causes His captors to fall backward is the same power that would later conquer death and the grave, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus' voluntary submission, even in the face of Judas's betrayal, foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He, "being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His act here is the beginning of the culmination of His mission to "give His life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life")). Thus, [John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus' Authority in His Passion") is not merely a historical account but a powerful theological statement about the divine Son of God, who, in His absolute authority, chose the path of humility and suffering to secure eternal life for all who believe in His name ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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

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.