Devine Scripture

John 18:3

What does John 18:3 mean?

A plain-English look at John 18:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 18:3 means

Judas arrives at the garden leading a substantial contingent: a Roman cohort (a band of soldiers), and Jewish officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. Their equipment—lanterns, torches, and weapons—indicates they anticipated resistance and sought to ensure Jesus' capture, even under the cloak of night. This formidable show of force underscores the perceived threat Jesus posed to both Roman and Jewish authorities, as well as the seriousness with which they pursued His arrest.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So Judas, getting a band of armed men and police from the chief priests and Pharisees, went there with lights and with arms.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Judas, therefore, having taken the band and officers out of the chief priests and Pharisees, doth come thither with torches and lamps, and weapons;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Judas therefore having received a band of soldiers and servants from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Judas therefore, having got the band, and officers of the chief priests and Pharisees, comes there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Context

This verse details the composition and equipment of the arresting party, immediately following the mention of Judas's knowledge of the place. It sets a scene of impending conflict and betrayal, showing the gravity of the situation Jesus is about to face. This provides a stark contrast to Jesus' peaceful entry into the garden in verse 1.

v.2Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples.

v.3This passage

v.4Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye?

Cross references

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

  • John 18:12

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

  • John 13:27

    And after the sop, then entered Satan into him. Jesus therefore saith unto him, What thou doest, do quickly.

  • Psalms 22:12

    Many bulls have compassed me; Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

  • John 13:2

    And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,

  • Psalms 3:1

    Jehovah, how are mine adversaries increased! Many are they that rise up against me.

  • Luke 22:47

    While he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them; and he drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

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