John 18:21
Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
Original Language Analysis
τί
Why
G5101
τί
Why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τί
Why
G5101
τί
Why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
αὐτοῖς·
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς·
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 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
οἴδασιν
know
G1492
οἴδασιν
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οὗτοι
they
G3778
οὗτοι
they
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οἴδασιν
know
G1492
οἴδασιν
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
12 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin's desperation for false witnesses (Matthew 26:59-60) confirms they lacked legitimate testimony. Jesus's public ministry meant hundreds could verify His words—yet no consistent accusation emerged. This forced them to rely on distorted half-truths and manufactured charges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's insistence on proper legal procedure demonstrate that righteousness includes justice, not just mercy?
- What does the absence of credible accusers reveal about the purity of Jesus's three-year ministry?
- When facing false accusations, how can you balance Jesus's bold defense of truth with His silence before unjust power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me—Jesus invokes proper judicial procedure: testimony must come from witnesses, not the accused. The Greek ἐπερώτας (eperōtas, 'keep asking') suggests repeated, badgering questions. His response, behold, they know what I said (ἴδε οὗτοι οἴδασιν, ide houtoi oidasin), appeals to thousands who heard Him teach publicly.
This isn't evasion but legal precision. The Mishnah (later codification of oral law) forbade using an accused's testimony against himself. Jesus demanded legitimate witnesses—exposing that His accusers couldn't produce credible evidence because His teaching contained nothing seditious or heretical when examined honestly.