Devine Scripture

John 18:11

What does John 18:11 mean?

A plain-English look at John 18:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 18:11 means

Jesus gently but firmly rebukes Peter, commanding him to \"Put up the sword into the sheath.\" He then articulates His submission to God's will, posing a rhetorical question: \"the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?\" This \"cup\" symbolizes the suffering, sacrifice, and divine wrath He was about to endure for humanity's salvation. Jesus' words underscore His voluntary acceptance of His mission, rejecting any attempt to resist God's predetermined plan.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Jesus said to Peter, Put back your sword: am I not to take the cup which my Father has given to me?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Jesus, therefore, said to Peter, `Put the sword into the sheath; the cup that the Father hath given to me, may I not drink it?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Jesus therefore said to Peter: Put up thy sword into the scabbard. The chalice which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Jesus therefore said to Peter, Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given me, shall I not drink it?

Context

This verse is a direct response to Peter's violent act, restoring order and reaffirming Jesus' intentional surrender. It clarifies Jesus' understanding of His mission as divinely appointed suffering, contrasting sharply with Peter's earthly, defensive mindset. This profound statement of submission immediately precedes Jesus' passive capture by the soldiers.

v.10Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant’s name was Malchus.

v.11This passage

v.12So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 17:24

    Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

  • John 18:36

    Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

  • Ephesians 6:11

    Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  • Matthew 26:39

    And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

  • John 11:41

    So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:7

    in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

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