John 18:4
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
Original Language Analysis
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
1 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
εἰδὼς
knowing
G1492
εἰδὼς
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχόμενα
that should come
G2064
ἐρχόμενα
that should come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτοῖς
him
G846
αὐτοῖς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 13
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
αὐτοῖς
him
G846
αὐτοῖς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
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
Cross References
John 13:1Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.John 18:7Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.Acts 2:28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.Psalms 27:3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Historical Context
Roman cohorts typically numbered 600 soldiers, though a smaller detachment likely came to Gethsemane. The presence of both temple guards and Roman soldiers indicates collusion between Jewish religious authorities and Pilate's forces. Jesus's question was legally significant—identifying Himself prevented the authorities from arresting His disciples under cover of darkness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's sovereign initiative in His arrest challenge your understanding of submission to God's will?
- What does Christ's full knowledge of coming suffering, yet willingness to proceed, reveal about the cost of redemption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him (εἰδὼς οὖν Ἰησοῦς πάντα τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἐπ' αὐτόν)—This verse shatters any notion of Jesus as passive victim. Eidōs (knowing) indicates comprehensive, supernatural knowledge of His impending betrayal, trials, scourging, and crucifixion. Yet went forth (ἐξῆλθεν)—He deliberately stepped forward from the garden's concealment.
Whom seek ye? (Τίνα ζητεῖτε;)—Jesus seizes control of His arrest. Not Judas, not the soldiers, but the Good Shepherd orchestrates this encounter. When they answer "Jesus of Nazareth," His reply "I am" (v. 5-6, ἐγώ εἰμι) echoes Yahweh's self-designation, causing the armed mob to fall backward—a theophanic demonstration that no one takes His life; He lays it down willingly (John 10:18).