Devine Scripture

John 2:18

What does John 2:18 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:18 means

The Jewish leaders, witnessing Jesus' authoritative actions and pronouncements in the Temple, challenge Him, demanding, "What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?" They sought a miraculous credential, similar to what a prophet or Messiah might perform, to justify His dramatic disruption of the established order. Their demand reveals their focus on outward displays of power rather than recognizing the spiritual authority inherent in His zeal and words. This question sets the stage for Jesus' enigmatic response.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the Jews put this question to him: What sign of authority have you to give us, seeing that you do these things?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

the Jews then answered and said to him, `What sign dost thou shew to us--that thou dost these things?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The Jews, therefore, answered, and said to him: What sign dost thou shew unto us, seeing thou dost these things?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The Jews therefore answered and said to him, What sign shewest thou to us, that thou doest these things?

Context

This verse details the direct challenge from the Jewish authorities following Jesus' cleansing of the Temple. Their demand for a "sign" is a typical reaction to someone claiming significant religious authority, especially through such a disruptive act. This confrontation is critical as it moves the narrative from Jesus' actions and His disciples' understanding to a direct exchange with the religious establishment, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most significant prophetic statements.

v.17His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for thy house shall eat me up.

v.18This passage

v.19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Cross references

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

  • John 1:25

    And they asked him, and said unto him, Why then baptizest thou, if thou art not the Christ, neither Elijah, neither the prophet?

  • 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;

  • Mark 8:11

    And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, trying him.

  • Matthew 21:23

    And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • Acts 5:28

    saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

  • John 6:30

    They said therefore unto him, What then doest thou for a sign, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou?

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