John 18:19
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεὺς
The high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
The high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
3 of 15
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Annas served as high priest AD 6-15 but remained the power behind the throne through five sons and son-in-law Caiaphas. Though Rome deposed him, Jews still recognized his authority. This preliminary hearing at Annas's residence (likely his palace complex) preceded the formal Sanhedrin trial at Caiaphas's house.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's illegal trial expose the religious establishment's corruption when defending orthodoxy becomes more important than justice?
- What does the focus on Jesus's disciples reveal about the authorities' real fear—was it theology or influence?
- When have you witnessed religious leaders more concerned with controlling narrative than seeking truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine—This interrogation (ἐπηρώτησεν, epērōtēsen, 'questioned closely') was Annas, father-in-law to the reigning high priest Caiaphas (v. 13). The Greek διδαχῆς (didachēs, 'teaching') reflects concern about Jesus's authority and message, not just content.
The dual focus—disciples (μαθητῶν, mathētōn) and doctrine—reveals the Sanhedrin's fear of a revolutionary movement. Yet this midnight trial violated Jewish law: cases involving capital punishment could not be heard at night, required defense witnesses, and needed a day's delay before sentencing. Jesus faced an illegal kangaroo court designed to produce a predetermined verdict.