John 18:7
What does John 18:7 mean?
A plain-English look at John 18:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 18:7 means
Despite the undeniable display of divine power in verse 6, Jesus repeats His question, \"Whom seek ye?\" and again receives the answer, \"Jesus of Nazareth.\" This repetition serves to highlight their resolve, or perhaps their confusion, after being overwhelmed by His power. It also demonstrates Jesus' deliberate continuation of the process, allowing His captors to reiterate their intent and proceed with the arrest, despite His earlier demonstration of sovereignty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So again he put the question to them, Who are you looking for? And they said, Jesus the Nazarene.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Again, therefore, he questioned them, `Whom do ye seek?' and they said, `Jesus the Nazarene;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Again therefore he asked them: Whom seek ye? And they said: Jesus of Nazareth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He demanded of them therefore again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus the Nazaraean.
Context
Coming immediately after the soldiers fall backward, this verse shows Jesus re-engaging with His captors. It acts as a reset, allowing the narrative to move forward after the miraculous interlude. This repetition of the question and answer foregrounds Jesus' agency in the entire arrest process, prior to His instruction regarding His disciples.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 18:4
Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye?
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