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John 18:21 Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said."
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 18:21 Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/18-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/43_Jhn_18_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 18:21 - Jesus Before the High Priest" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. 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Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Why do you question Me? Question those having heard what I spoke to them. Behold, they know what I said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why are you asking Me? Ask those who have heard what I spoke to them. Look: these people know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold, these know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold, they know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Why question Me? Question those who have heard what I said to them. They know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why do you question Me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Why askest thou me? ask them that have heard me, what I spake unto them: behold, these know the things which I said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why are you questioning me? Why don't you ask the people who heard me? They know what I have said." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Why askest thou me? ask them that have heard me, what I spake unto them: behold, these know the things which I said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I said to them. They know what I've said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Why, then, do you question me? Question the people who heard me. Ask them what I told them--they know what I said." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I said. These are the people who know what I said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said. They know what I said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard what I spoke to them; surely they know what I said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Why dost thou ask me? ask them who heard me, what I have said to them: behold, they know what I have said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Why do you question me? Question those who heard what it was I said to them: these witnesses here know what I said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, they know the things which I said.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />why do you question Me? Question those having heard what I spoke to them; behold, these have known what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Why do you question Me? Question those having heard what I spoke to them. Behold, they know what I said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> why me dost thou question? question those having heard what I spake to them; lo, these have known what I said.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Why askest thou me? ask those having heard, what I said to them: see, they know what I said.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Why asketh thou me? ask them who have heard what I have spoken unto them: behold they know what things I have said. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I said to them. Behold, they know these things that I have said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. They know what I said.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Why do you ask me? ask those who heard what I have spoken to them; behold, they know everything which I said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I spoke with them, behold, they know what I have said.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard, what things I said to them. Behold, they know what I have said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Why do you ask me? ask those who have heard, what I said to them: behold, they know what I said.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Why dost thou question me? ask those who have heard me, what I have spoken to them: lo, they know what I said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />why do you question me? ask those who heard me, what discourse I had with them: they know very well what I said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Why do you question me? Question those who heard what it was I said to them: these witnesses here know what I said."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard, what I spake to them; behold, they know the things which I said."<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>ask them that heard <Fr><i>me,</i><FR> what I have said unto them: for they know what I have said.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/18-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=6404" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Jesus Before the High Priest</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">Why</a> <a href="/greek/2065.htm" title="2065: erōtas (V-PIA-2S) -- Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.">are you asking</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me?</a> <a href="/greek/2065.htm" title="2065: erōtēson (V-AMA-2S) -- Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.">Ask</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akēkootas (V-RPA-AMP) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">heard</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: elalēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">My message.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: ide (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">Surely</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtoi (DPro-NMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">they</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidasin (V-RIA-3P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">know</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AIA-1S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">said.” </a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-8.htm">Isaiah 50:8-9</a></span><br />The One who vindicates Me is near. Who will dare to contend with Me? Let us confront each other! Who has a case against Me? Let him approach Me! / Surely the Lord GOD helps Me. Who is there to condemn Me? See, they will all wear out like a garment; the moths will devour them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></span><br />He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/26-14.htm">Jeremiah 26:14-15</a></span><br />As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right. / But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-12.htm">Psalm 27:12</a></span><br />Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Psalm 35:11</a></span><br />Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a></span><br />Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-4.htm">Psalm 109:4</a></span><br />In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-28.htm">Proverbs 24:28</a></span><br />Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/11-12.htm">Zechariah 11:12-13</a></span><br />Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-60</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a></span><br />And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-56</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-3.htm">Mark 15:3-5</a></span><br />And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. / Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” / But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-67.htm">Luke 22:67-71</a></span><br />“If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. / And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. / But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why ask you me? ask them which heard me, what I have said to them: behold, they know what I said.</p><p class="hdg">ask.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59,60</a></b></br> Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-59</a></b></br> And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/22-67.htm">Luke 22:67</a></b></br> Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/4-9.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/john/17-20.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/john/15-15.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/luke/20-16.htm">Hearers</a> <a href="/john/18-7.htm">Question</a> <a href="/john/16-19.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/john/18-19.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/john/18-11.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/john/15-27.htm">Witnesses</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-29.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/john/19-8.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Hearers</a> <a href="/john/18-29.htm">Question</a> <a href="/acts/1-6.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/acts/18-15.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/acts/7-34.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Witnesses</a><div class="vheading2">John 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-1.htm">Judas betrays Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-6.htm">The officers fall to the ground.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-10.htm">Peter cuts off Malchus' ear.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-12.htm">Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-15.htm">Peter's denial.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-19.htm">Jesus examined before Caiaphas.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-25.htm">Peter's second and third denial.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-28.htm">Jesus arraigned before Pilate.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-36.htm">His kingdom.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">40. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/18-40.htm">The Jews prefer Barabbas.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Why are you asking Me?</b><br>In this phrase, Jesus is responding to the high priest during His trial. This rhetorical question highlights the injustice of the trial, as Jewish law required witnesses to establish guilt, not self-incrimination. Jesus points out the irregularity of the proceedings, emphasizing the lack of legitimate evidence against Him. This moment underscores the fulfillment of <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>, where the Messiah is described as being oppressed and afflicted, yet not opening His mouth in defense.<p><b>Ask those who heard My message.</b><br>Here, Jesus refers to the public nature of His ministry. Throughout His time on earth, He taught openly in synagogues and the temple courts, as seen in <a href="/john/18-20.htm">John 18:20</a>. This transparency contrasts with the secretive and deceitful actions of His accusers. The call to ask witnesses aligns with <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>, which requires the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter. Jesus' teachings were consistent and well-known, reinforcing His innocence.<p><b>Surely they know what I said.”</b><br>This statement emphasizes the clarity and consistency of Jesus' teachings. Those who heard Him, including His disciples and the crowds, could attest to His message. The phrase also reflects the fulfillment of prophecy, as Jesus' words and actions were in line with the expectations of the Messiah as foretold in the Old Testament. Additionally, it highlights the accountability of those who heard Him, as they were now witnesses to His truth. This moment foreshadows the role of the apostles as bearers of Jesus' message after His resurrection, as seen in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being questioned by the high priest after His arrest. He responds with confidence and authority, emphasizing the transparency of His teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/high_priest.htm">High Priest</a></b><br>The religious leader questioning Jesus, representing the Jewish authority that sought to condemn Him. This interaction takes place during Jesus' trial.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/witnesses.htm">Witnesses</a></b><br>Those who heard Jesus' teachings. Jesus refers to them as a source of truth about His message, highlighting the public nature of His ministry.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arrest_and_trial_of_jesus.htm">The Arrest and Trial of Jesus</a></b><br>This event is part of the Passion account, where Jesus is arrested, tried, and eventually crucified. It is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life and the location of the Temple.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/transparency_in_ministry.htm">Transparency in Ministry</a></b><br>Jesus' response underscores the importance of transparency in sharing the Gospel. Believers are encouraged to live and speak openly about their faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_witnesses.htm">The Role of Witnesses</a></b><br>Just as Jesus pointed to witnesses of His teachings, Christians are called to be witnesses to the truth of the Gospel in their own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_opposition.htm">Courage in the Face of Opposition</a></b><br>Jesus' calm and confident response to the high priest serves as a model for believers facing challenges or persecution for their faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truth.htm">The Importance of Truth</a></b><br>Jesus' emphasis on asking those who heard Him highlights the value of truth and integrity in communication. Christians are called to uphold truth in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/public_proclamation_of_faith.htm">Public Proclamation of Faith</a></b><br>Jesus' public ministry serves as a reminder for believers to share their faith openly and without fear, trusting in God's sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_mary_show_devotion_to_jesus.htm">How did Mary of Bethany show devotion to Jesus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_main_message.htm">What is the central message of the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_god's_promises_in_the_bible.htm">What are God's promises in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_acts_16_31-34_contradict_individual_accountability.htm">In Acts 16:31-34, does the jailer's entire household receiving salvation contradict the principle of individual accountability taught elsewhere in Scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Why askest thou me?</span>--Comp. <a href="/john/5-31.htm" title="If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.">John 5:31</a>. The pronoun "Me" is not the emphatic word as it is generally taken to be. The stress is on the interrogative, "<span class= "ital">Why,</span> for what purpose, dost thou ask Me? If you want witnesses, ask them which heard Me."<p><span class= "bld">Behold, they know what I said.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">behold, these know what I said.</span> He pointed probably to some who were then present. In the next verse there is a reference to the "officers" who, as we know from <a href="/john/7-32.htm" title="The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.">John 7:32</a>; <a href="/john/7-46.htm" title="The officers answered, Never man spoke like this man.">John 7:46</a>, had heard this doctrine.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Why askest thou me?</span> If thou wantest <span class="accented">evidence</span> touching my design, my disciples, or my teaching, <span class="cmt_word">ask</span>, <span class="accented">interrogate</span>, <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>those who have heard me, what I have said to them. Lo, these</span> (pointing to numbers in the angry crowd around him) <span class="cmt_word">know what I spake unto them</span> (the <span class="greek">ἐγώ</span> at the end of this sentence is very emphatic). Christ thus rebukes the craftiness and hypocritical endeavor of his enemies to induce him to inculpate his disciples, or to give his prosecutors matter against him. To false witnesses he preserved an invincible silence, and before Caiaphas and Pilate he answered to many of their queries not a single word, insomuch that these governors marveled greatly. However, the case was altered when Caiaphas, in full Sanhedrin, officially challenged him to say whether he was the Christ, and adjured him to declare whether he was the Son of God. Then, on the most public scale, knowing well the issues of his declaration, and of his oath-bound word, he did not hesitate to confess that he was the Son of God, and would come in the glory of his Father, and that he was no less than the Christ of God. On the present occasion, when Annas was seeking to justify his own craft, and to utilize the disgraceful betrayal which he had diplomatically and cruelly contrived, Jesus refused to incriminate either himself or his disciples. Renan has the temerity to say that this great announcement was quite superfluous, and probably was never made. Any conclusion whatever may be derived from historical documents, if such liberties may be taken with impunity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/18-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Why</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are you asking</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐρωτᾷς</span> <span class="translit">(erōtas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2065.htm">Strong's 2065: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me?</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Ask</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐρώτησον</span> <span class="translit">(erōtēson)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2065.htm">Strong's 2065: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκηκοότας</span> <span class="translit">(akēkootas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My message.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐλάλησα</span> <span class="translit">(elalēsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="grk">ἴδε</span> <span class="translit">(ide)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> </span><span class="str2">See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they</span><br /><span class="grk">οὗτοι</span> <span class="translit">(houtoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="grk">οἴδασιν</span> <span class="translit">(oidasin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">ἃ</span> <span class="translit">(ha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγώ</span> <span class="translit">(egō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said.”</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπον</span> <span class="translit">(eipon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/18-21.htm">John 18:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/18-21.htm">NT Gospels: John 18:21 Why do you ask me? Ask those (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/18-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 18:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 18:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/18-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 18:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 18:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>