John 18:20
What does John 18:20 mean?
A plain-English look at John 18:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 18:20 means
Jesus responds to the high priest by asserting that His ministry has always been open and public. He declares, \"I have spoken openly to the world,\" and that He consistently taught \"in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing.\" This defense highlights the transparency of His message, rejecting any accusation of covert or subversive activity. He challenges them to find fault in His well-known public teachings.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus made answer, I said things openly to the world at all times; I have given my teaching in the Synagogues and in the Temple to which all the Jews come; and I have said nothing secretly.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered him, `I spake freely to the world, I did always teach in a synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews do always come together; and in secret I spake nothing;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort: and in secret I have spoken nothing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I taught always in [the] synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews come together, and in secret I have spoken nothing.
Context
This verse records Jesus' direct answer to the high priest's initial questions about His disciples and teaching. His response emphasizes the public nature of His ministry, forming His defense against accusations of secrecy or conspiracy. This sets the stage for His further explanation and His challenge to His accusers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 40:9
I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great assembly; Lo, I will not refrain my lips, O Jehovah, thou knowest.
- Luke 20:1
And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders;
- Isaiah 45:19
I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness; I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I, Jehovah, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
- John 10:23
it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
- John 7:4
For no man doeth anything in secret, and himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world.
- Matthew 24:26
If therefore they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the wilderness; go not forth: Behold, he is in the inner chambers; believe it not.
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