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<!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 18:23 Jesus replied, "If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/18-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/43_Jhn_18_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 18:23 - Jesus Before the High Priest" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jesus replied, If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. 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But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” <a href="/esv/john/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” <a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?” <a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus answered him, "If I spoke evil, bear witness concerning the evil; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?" <a href="/kjv/john/18.htm">King James Bible</a> Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? <a href="/nkjv/john/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” <a href="/nasb_/john/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” <a href="/nasb/john/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Jesus answered him, &#8220If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” <a href="/lsb/john/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” <a href="/amp/john/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jesus replied, “If I have said anything wrong, make a formal statement about the wrong; but if [I spoke] properly, why did you strike Me?” <a href="/csb/john/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220If I have spoken wrongly,&#8221 Jesus answered him, &#8220give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit Me?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? <a href="/cev/john/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus answered, "If I have done something wrong, say so. But if not, why did you hit me?" <a href="/erv/john/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? <a href="/gwt/john/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus replied to him, "If I've said anything wrong, tell me what it was. But if I've told the truth, why do you hit me?" <a href="/gnt/john/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus answered him, "If I have said anything wrong, tell everyone here what it was. But if I am right in what I have said, why do you hit me?" <a href="/isv/john/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jesus answered him, "If I have said anything wrong, tell me what it was. But if I have told the truth, why do you hit me?" <a href="/net/john/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Jesus replied, "If I have said something wrong, confirm what is wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why strike me?" <a href="/nheb/john/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?" <a href="/wbt/john/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear testimony of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? <a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "If I have spoken wrongly," replied Jesus, "bear witness to it as wrong; but if rightly, why that blow?"<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/john/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?” <a href="/web/john/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Jesus answered him, “If I spoke ill, testify concerning the ill; and if well, why do you strike Me?” <a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus answered him, "If I spoke evil, bear witness concerning the evil; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?" <a href="/ylt/john/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Jesus answered him, 'If I spake ill, testify concerning the ill; and if well, why me dost thou smite?' <a href="/slt/john/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Jesus answered him, If I spake badly, testify of evil: and if well, why strikest thou me?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strikest thou me? <a href="/cpdv/john/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Jesus answered him: “If I have spoken wrongly, offer testimony about the wrong. But if I have spoken correctly, then why do you strike me?” <a href="/nabre/john/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Jesus answered and said to him, If I have spoken any evil, testify to the evil; but if it is good, why did you strike me? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Yeshua answered and said to him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil, but if I have spoken correctly, why do you strike me?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you strike me? <a href="/godbey/john/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Jesus responded to him, <FR>If I spoke wickedly, witness concerning the wickedness: but if beautifully, why do you smite me?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Jesus replied to him, If I have spoken in an improper manner, bear witness of the evil deed: but if properly, why strikest thou me? <a href="/mace/john/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Jesus replied, if I have said any thing injurious, show then wherein; but if I said right, why do you smite me? <a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "If I have spoken wrongly," replied Jesus, "bear witness to it as wrong; but if rightly, why that blow?" <a href="/worrell/john/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Jesus answered him, <FR>"If I spake evil, testify concerning the evil; but, if well, why do you beat Me?"<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Jesus answered him, <FR>If I have <Fr>ever<FR> spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why dost thou strike me?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/18-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=6422" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Jesus Before the High Priest</a> …22When 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?” 23<a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: Apekrithē (V-AIP-3S) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">replied,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- 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/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">“If</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.">I said</a> <a href="/greek/2560.htm" title="2560: kakōs (Adv) -- Badly, evilly, wrongly. From kakos; badly.">something wrong,</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: martyrēson (V-AMA-2S) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">testify</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">as to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakou (Adj-GNS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">was wrong.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2573.htm" title="2573: kalōs (Adv) -- Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.">I spoke correctly,</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.">why</a> <a href="/greek/1194.htm" title="1194: dereis (V-PIA-2S) -- To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash.">did you strike</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> 24Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a> I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle. <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a> When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a> But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; <a href="/acts/23-3.htm">Acts 23:3</a> Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12-13</a> We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. <a href="/matthew/26-67.htm">Matthew 26:67-68</a> Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him / and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit You?” <a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Luke 6:29</a> If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a> Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ... <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/matthew/27-30.htm">Matthew 27:30</a> Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. <a href="/mark/14-65.htm">Mark 14:65</a> Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face. <a href="/john/19-3.htm">John 19:3</a> And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face. <a href="/lamentations/3-30.htm">Lamentations 3:30</a> Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smite you me?If.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a> Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:<a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">1 Peter 2:20-23</a> For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/17-12.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/luke/23-48.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/john/18-22.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/john/3-8.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/john/17-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/john/18-22.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/13-13.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/luke/22-49.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Smitest</a> <a href="/john/13-29.htm">Something</a> <a href="/luke/22-49.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/john/15-27.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/john/15-27.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/john/18-9.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/15-27.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/john/8-11.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/luke/17-4.htm">Wrongly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/18-37.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/acts/5-40.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/acts/12-13.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/john/19-3.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/john/18-30.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/john/18-28.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/acts/28-25.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">Smitest</a> <a href="/acts/3-5.htm">Something</a> <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/john/18-37.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/john/18-37.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/18-37.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/john/18-38.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/james/4-3.htm">Wrongly</a><div class="vheading2">John 18</div>1. <a href="/john/18-1.htm">Judas betrays Jesus.</a> 6. <a href="/john/18-6.htm">The officers fall to the ground.</a> 10. <a href="/john/18-10.htm">Peter cuts off Malchus' ear.</a> 12. <a href="/john/18-12.htm">Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas.</a> 15. <a href="/john/18-15.htm">Peter's denial.</a> 19. <a href="/john/18-19.htm">Jesus examined before Caiaphas.</a> 25. <a href="/john/18-25.htm">Peter's second and third denial.</a> 28. <a href="/john/18-28.htm">Jesus arraigned before Pilate.</a> 36. <a href="/john/18-36.htm">His kingdom.</a> 40. <a href="/john/18-40.htm">The Jews prefer Barabbas.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Jesus replied This phrase indicates Jesus' calm and composed demeanor in the face of unjust treatment. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often responds to accusations and questions with wisdom and authority, reflecting His divine nature and fulfillment of prophecy as the suffering servant (<a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>).If I said something wrong Here, Jesus challenges the legality and morality of His treatment. In Jewish law, as outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15-21</a>, accusations required evidence and witnesses. Jesus' question underscores the lack of legitimate evidence against Him, highlighting the injustice of the trial.testify as to what was wrong This demand for testimony aligns with the legal standards of the time, where accusations needed to be substantiated by witnesses. Jesus' call for testimony emphasizes the absence of any wrongdoing on His part, pointing to His sinlessness (<a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a>).But if I spoke correctly Jesus asserts His innocence and the truth of His words. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently spoke truth, fulfilling His role as the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>). His teachings were rooted in the Scriptures and aligned with God's will.why did you strike Me? This question highlights the unjust and violent response to truth. Striking a prisoner was against Jewish legal procedures, indicating the breakdown of justice in His trial. This act of violence foreshadows the suffering and persecution Jesus would endure, fulfilling prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> - The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being questioned and unjustly treated during His trial before the high priest. 2. <a href="/topical/a/annas.htm">Annas</a> - The former high priest who first questions Jesus before sending Him to Caiaphas. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_officer.htm">The Officer</a> - A servant of the high priest who strikes Jesus, prompting His response in this verse. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_high_priest's_court.htm">The High Priest's Court</a> - The setting of this event, where Jesus is being interrogated. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_trial_of_jesus.htm">The Trial of Jesus</a> - The broader event in which Jesus is being unjustly accused and mistreated, leading to His crucifixion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_injustice_with_truth.htm">Responding to Injustice with Truth</a> Jesus models how to respond to injustice by calmly asking for evidence of wrongdoing, emphasizing truth over retaliation. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_measured_response.htm">The Power of a Measured Response</a> Jesus' response highlights the strength found in maintaining composure and integrity, even when wronged. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truth.htm">The Importance of Truth</a> Jesus' question underscores the value of truth and challenges us to stand firm in truth, even when faced with opposition. <a href="/topical/p/prophetic_fulfillment.htm">Prophetic Fulfillment</a> Jesus' demeanor fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering, reinforcing the divine plan and purpose. <a href="/topical/e/example_for_believers.htm">Example for Believers</a> Jesus' response serves as a model for Christians to follow when facing persecution or unjust treatment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 18</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_fruit_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">What are the Fruit of the Holy Spirit?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_bible_without_error.htm">Is the Bible without error?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_god_be_an_'enemy'_yet_unchanging.htm">Lamentations 2:5 - In what sense can God become an 'enemy' to those He once favored, and does this contradict other biblical portrayals of His unchanging nature?</a> <a href="/q/did_john_doubt_jesus'_identity.htm">Did John the Baptist doubt Jesus' identity?</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>(23) Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil.--Comp. Note on <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm" title="But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.">Matthew 5:39</a>.Bear witness of the evil.--That is," Produce the evidence which the law requires."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, come forward as a witness of the evil which thou hast heard. Thus he took no notice of the charge brought against him. But if I have spoken well, why smitest thou me? A quiet appeal to the conscience of the wretched upstart who dared to insult the Lord of glory. It is thus that the Lord explained the spirit of his own injunction, "Whosoever shall smite thee on the one cheek, turn to him the other also" (<a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a>). Nothing was gained by this private interrogatory except an appeal to the outside world of his hearers, and a call for testimony; and no decision could be legally taken against him without incriminating evidence. Dr. Farrar ('Life of Christ') has pointed out with great force that the chief priests and Pharisees, from their intestine animosities, had great difficulty in formulating any specific charge. The Pharisaic ratty, if they made a point of his doctrine and practice concerning the sabbath, would have been foiled by the Sadducean latitudinarians; and the priests did not dare to call in question his imperial cleansing of the temple, knowing that the Pharisees would immediately have justified the act. Consequently, Arums limited his inquiries to the supposed esoteric character of some private teachings to his initiated disciples - a charge that was refuted by the continual publicity and openness of all his teaching. <a href="/commentaries/john/18-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. replied, Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. “If Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. I said ἐλάλησα (elalēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. [something] wrong, κακῶς (kakōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2560.htm">Strong's 2560: </a> Badly, evilly, wrongly. From kakos; badly. testify μαρτύρησον (martyrēson) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify. to περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. what τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. was wrong. κακοῦ (kakou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious. But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. [I spoke] correctly, καλῶς (kalōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2573.htm">Strong's 2573: </a> Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well. why τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. did you strike δέρεις (dereis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1194.htm">Strong's 1194: </a> To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash. Me?” με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/18-23.htm">John 18:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/18-23.htm">NT Gospels: John 18:23 Jesus answered him If I have spoken (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/18-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 18:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 18:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/18-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 18:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 18:24" /></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>