John 18:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} asked he {G1905} them {G846} again {G3825}, Whom {G5101} seek ye {G2212}? And {G1161} they said {G2036}, Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he inquired of them once more, “Whom do you want?” and they said, “Yeshua from Natzeret.”

Berean Standard Bible

So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.

American Standard Version

Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 18:7 records Jesus' second direct question to the arresting party, "Whom seek ye?", immediately after His powerful declaration "I am he" caused them to fall backward to the ground. Their repeated answer, "Jesus of Nazareth," underscores His clear identity and highlights His continued sovereignty and deliberate control over the unfolding events of His arrest, demonstrating that He was not a helpless victim but willingly submitting to the Father's plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic and pivotal narrative of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, as recorded in [John 18](/john/18 "John 18 - The Arrest of Jesus"). It immediately follows a profound display of divine power: when Jesus first asked "Whom seek ye?" ([John 18:4](/john/18-4 "John 18:4 - Jesus Asks Whom They Seek")) and declared "I am he" ([John 18:5](/john/18-5 "John 18:5 - Jesus Declares 'I Am He'")), the entire armed contingent of soldiers and temple guards recoiled and fell to the ground ([John 18:6](/john/18-6 "John 18:6 - They Fall Backward")). The repetition of the question in [John 18:7](/john/18-7 "John 18:7 - Jesus Asks Again") signifies Jesus' continued initiative and authority in the situation, rather than a mere re-engagement after a moment of confusion. He is not being apprehended against His will, but is orchestrating the encounter, ensuring clarity of purpose for both Himself and His captors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in the Garden of Gethsemane, a familiar olive grove on the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. The arresting party consisted of Roman soldiers (a cohort, implying a significant number, possibly 600 men, though likely a detachment of that), officers from the chief priests and Pharisees (temple guards), and Judas Iscariot. This combined force indicates the high level of official and religious authority behind the arrest, reflecting the Jewish leaders' determination to seize Jesus and the Roman Empire's involvement in maintaining order. The identification "Jesus of Nazareth" was a common way to distinguish Jesus, linking Him to His hometown in Galilee, a region often viewed with some disdain by Judeans (cf. [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?")). This geographical identifier also subtly connects to prophetic expectations, as Jesus' association with Nazareth was seen as a fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophets, that He would be called a Nazarene ([Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - He Shall Be Called a Nazarene")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' absolute sovereignty and control**, even in moments of apparent vulnerability. He is not a victim but the active agent in His passion, willingly laying down His life (as He states in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down His Life")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Jesus' clear and unwavering identity**. He does not evade or deny who He is, allowing His captors to confirm they are indeed seeking "Jesus of Nazareth," the very Messiah and Son of God. This clarity contrasts with those who misunderstand or reject Him throughout the Gospel. Finally, the scene underscores the theme of **voluntary sacrifice and divine purpose**. Jesus' willingness to engage and identify Himself, even after demonstrating His power, foreshadows His intentional journey to the cross as the Lamb of God, fulfilling the Father's will for the salvation of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This verb implies an inquiry or a demand, suggesting a purposeful questioning rather than a casual one. In this context, Jesus' "asking" is not born of ignorance but of a deliberate intention to control the dialogue and the situation.
* **seek (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This word denotes a searching or an earnest desire to find something or someone. Here, it refers to the active pursuit of Jesus by the arresting party. The irony lies in the fact that while they are "seeking" Him, He is presenting Himself to them on His own terms.
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to speak or say." It indicates a direct verbal response. Their simple declaration, "Jesus of Nazareth," is a straightforward identification, confirming their target and demonstrating their recovery from the divine display of power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then asked he them again":** This phrase signifies Jesus' deliberate repetition of the question, emphasizing His initiative and control. The "again" (G3825, _pálin_) is crucial, indicating that despite the profound effect of His "I am he" declaration, Jesus re-engages the conversation, ensuring clarity and purpose in the unfolding events. He is not surprised or cornered, but actively managing the encounter.
* **"Whom seek ye?":** This direct question serves to re-establish the purpose of the arresting party. It forces them to articulate their intent and identify their target, removing any ambiguity. Jesus, fully aware of their mission, prompts them to confirm it, highlighting His conscious and willing participation in His arrest.
* **"And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.":** Their response is a simple, clear identification of Jesus. "Jesus of Nazareth" was His common designation, linking Him to His earthly origin. This response confirms that they are indeed seeking the specific individual who has been the subject of their efforts, and Jesus allows them to apprehend Him, not because He is powerless, but because it is part of His divine mission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, as Jesus asks the same question, "Whom seek ye?", for the second time. This repetition serves to underscore His control over the situation and to re-establish the dialogue on His terms after the arresting party had fallen back. There is also a profound **Irony** at play: while the armed contingent believes they are apprehending Jesus, He is, in fact, orchestrating His own surrender, demonstrating His divine power even as He appears to yield. His question forces them to state their purpose, highlighting their blindness to the true nature of the one they seek. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the voluntary nature of Jesus' impending sacrifice. His willingness to identify Himself and allow His arrest, despite His demonstrated power, points to His deliberate choice to fulfill His Father's will, leading to His death and resurrection. The phrase "Jesus of Nazareth" also carries **Symbolism**, connecting Jesus to His humble origins and fulfilling prophetic expectations, even as He is revealed to be the divine "I Am."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 18:7 powerfully illustrates the theological truth of divine sovereignty. Even in His moment of apparent vulnerability, Jesus is not a victim but the deliberate agent of God's redemptive plan. His repeated question and the subsequent identification by His captors underscore His conscious and willing participation in His arrest, which was a necessary step towards the cross. This scene reveals that Jesus' suffering and death were not accidental or forced upon Him, but were part of His preordained mission, demonstrating His perfect obedience to the Father and His profound love for humanity. He maintains His dignity and authority even as He submits to the process that will lead to His ultimate glorification.

* [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down and Take Up His Life")
* [Matthew 26:53-54](/matthew/26-53-54 "Matthew 26:53-54 - Jesus Could Call Legions of Angels")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death on a Cross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 18:7 offers a profound lesson in divine control and purposeful surrender. Jesus, though possessing infinite power, willingly submits to the will of His Father, even when it leads to suffering and death. This challenges us to consider our own lives: do we truly believe in Jesus' sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or beyond our control? Are we willing to surrender our own plans and desires to His perfect will, trusting that His path, though sometimes difficult, always leads to ultimate good and glorification? This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of Jesus as merely a historical figure and to embrace Him as the sovereign Lord who, even in His arrest, was enacting the greatest act of love and redemption. It encourages us to find peace and purpose in His control, knowing that He is always working for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' repeated question and the arresting party's response challenge my understanding of control and surrender in difficult situations?**
* **In what areas of my life am I struggling to surrender control to God, perhaps because I fear vulnerability or loss of power?**
* **How does Jesus' clear and unwavering identity as "Jesus of Nazareth" encourage me to be clear about my own identity in Christ?**
* **What does Jesus' deliberate willingness to face His arrest teach me about the nature of true strength and courageous obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask "Whom seek ye?" again after they had already fallen back?**

Answer: Jesus' repetition of the question in [John 18:7](/john/18-7 "John 18:7 - Jesus Asks Again") serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it re-establishes the dialogue and the purpose of the encounter after the dramatic display of divine power in [John 18:6](/john/18-6 "John 18:6 - They Fall Backward"). The initial "I am he" caused them to fall, indicating His divine authority. By repeating the question, Jesus asserts His continued control over the situation, demonstrating that He is not being apprehended by force but is willingly submitting to the Father's plan. It ensures that there is no ambiguity about whom they are seeking and that His surrender is a conscious, deliberate act, not a consequence of weakness or surprise.

**What is the significance of the title "Jesus of Nazareth"?**

Answer: The title "Jesus of Nazareth" was a common geographical identifier used to distinguish Jesus from others with the same name. However, it carries deeper significance. Nazareth was a small, somewhat obscure town in Galilee, a region often looked down upon by those in Judea (cf. [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?")). Yet, Jesus' association with Nazareth was seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, as [Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - He Shall Be Called a Nazarene") states, "He shall be called a Nazarene." This title thus links Jesus to His humble earthly origins, emphasizing His humanity, while simultaneously pointing to His unique identity as the prophesied Messiah, who, despite humble beginnings, would bring salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 18:7, though a brief exchange during Jesus' arrest, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the very heart of His redemptive mission. Jesus' repeated question and His captors' identification of Him as "Jesus of Nazareth" underscore His deliberate and willing submission to the Father's plan, rather than being a helpless victim of circumstance. This scene foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating that His death was not an accident but a purposeful act of atonement. His divine power, evident when His "I am he" caused His captors to fall ([John 18:6](/john/18-6 "John 18:6 - They Fall Backward")), highlights that He could have easily escaped, yet He chose to lay down His life, fulfilling His own words in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down and Take Up His Life"): "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord." Thus, this moment of apparent vulnerability is, in fact, a powerful declaration of Christ's sovereignty, His obedience to the Father's will, and His intentional journey to the cross as the Messiah who would conquer sin and death, ultimately rising again in triumph ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ Was Delivered Up for Our Trespasses and Raised for Our Justification")).

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

John 18:4

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