John 18:20
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 29
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 29
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 29
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
παῤῥησίᾳ
openly
G3954
παῤῥησίᾳ
openly
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
6 of 29
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμῳ
to the world
G2889
κόσμῳ
to the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
9 of 29
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγῇ
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγῇ
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
15 of 29
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
19 of 29
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνέρχονται
resort
G4905
συνέρχονται
resort
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
24 of 29
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Isaiah 48:16Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.John 7:26But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?John 7:4For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.Luke 21:37And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.Isaiah 45:19I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.Matthew 26:55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.Matthew 9:35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.Luke 4:15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
Historical Context
Jewish legal procedure required accusers to bring specific charges with witnesses. By refusing to self-incriminate and demanding proper testimony, Jesus exposed the trial's illegitimacy. Roman law similarly protected defendants from compulsory self-testimony—a principle later enshrined in Western jurisprudence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's public ministry model contrast with modern tendencies toward exclusive, insider Christianity?
- What does Jesus's refusal to self-incriminate teach about wisdom when facing unjust authority?
- In what areas might you need more 'parrēsia'—bold, open witness rather than privatized faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I spake openly to the world (παρρησίᾳ λελάληκα, parrēsia lelalēka)—The Greek parrēsia means 'boldness, frankness, public speech' with nothing hidden. Jesus's defense rests on transparency: I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, the most public venues in Judaism.
In secret have I said nothing (κρυπτῷ ἐλάλησα οὐδέν, kryptō elalēsa ouden)—This doesn't deny private instruction (Mark 4:34) but asserts His core message was never clandestine. Unlike mystery cults or revolutionary conspirators, Jesus taught openly. His appeal to public witnesses (whither the Jews always resort) shifts burden of proof back to His accusers—unprecedented courtroom boldness.