John 18:2
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
Original Language Analysis
ᾔδει
knew
G1492
ᾔδει
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰούδας
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
4 of 19
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 19
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
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπον
the place
G5117
τόπον
the place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
9 of 19
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
συνήχθη
resorted
G4863
συνήχθη
resorted
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
12 of 19
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
14 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Historical Context
The garden was likely an olive grove on the Mount of Olives, a place Jesus frequented for prayer and teaching (Luke 21:37, 22:39). In first-century Jerusalem, wealthy patrons often owned private gardens outside the city walls. John, writing decades later (AD 90-100), assumes readers know the location, focusing instead on the spiritual betrayal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas's abuse of intimate knowledge challenge you about the responsibility that comes with spiritual access and privilege?
- What does Jesus's predictable pattern of prayer—even knowing it made Him vulnerable—teach about prioritizing communion with God over personal safety?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place (Ἤιδει δὲ καὶ Ἰούδας ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτόν)—The verb ēidei (knew) is imperfect tense, indicating ongoing, habitual knowledge. Judas possessed intimate familiarity with this garden retreat across the Kidron Valley. John emphasizes the tragic irony: a sacred place of communion became the staging ground for betrayal.
For Jesus ofttimes resorted thither (ὅτι πολλάκις συνήχθη)—Pollakis (ofttimes, frequently) reveals this was Jesus's habitual prayer retreat with His disciples. Unlike the Synoptics, John doesn't name Gethsemane, but focuses on the betrayal's premeditation. Judas weaponized his knowledge of Christ's prayer patterns. The place where Jesus sought the Father became the site of His arrest—intimate knowledge perverted into treachery.