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class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Jesus said, &#8220I am he,&#8221 they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As Jesus said “ I Am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore when He said to them, "I am <i>He</i>," they drew toward the back and fell to <i>the</i> ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As soon then as he had said unto them, I am <i>he</i>, they went backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when He said to them, “I am <i>He,</i>” they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now then, when He said to them, “I am <i>He,</i>” they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So when He said to them, &#8220I am He,&#8221 they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When therefore He said to them, “I am <i>He</i>,” they drew back, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So when He said to them, “I am <i>He</i>,” they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Jesus said, “I am <i>He,</i>” they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When He told them, &#8220I am He,&#8221 they stepped back and fell to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When therefore he said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />At once they all backed away and fell to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When therefore he said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Jesus told them, "I am he," the crowd backed away and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they moved back and fell to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Jesus told them, "I AM," they backed away and fell to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jesus said, ?I am He,? they drew back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So when Jesus said to them, "I am he," they retreated and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When therefore he said to them, "I AM," they went backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As soon then as he had said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As soon then as He said to them, "I am he," they went backwards and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward and fell to the ground. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When, therefore, He said to them, “I AM,” they went away backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore when He said to them, "I am <i>He</i>," they drew toward the back and fell to <i>the</i> ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> when, therefore, he said to them -- 'I am he,' they went away backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then, when he said to them, That I am, they went away backward, and fell to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As soon therefore as he had said to them: I am he; they went backward, and fell to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, when he said to them, “I am he,” they moved back and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When he said to them, “I AM,” they turned away and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground.<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 />And when Yeshua said to them, “I AM THE LIVING GOD”, they went backward and fell to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Then, when he said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then when He said to them, <FR>I am He,<Fr> they went back, and fell on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />As he then spake to them, I am he, they retreated backward, and fell flat on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />upon Jesus his saying to them, I am he, they fell backward to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As soon then as He said to them, "I am he," they went backwards and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />When, therefore, He said to them, <FR>"I am <i>He</i>,"<Fr> they went backward, and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now as soon as He said unto them, <FR>I am <Fr><i>He,</i> they went backwards and fell to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/18-6.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=6267" 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">The Betrayal of Jesus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">When</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Jesus said,</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/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/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am He,” </a> <a href="/greek/565.htm" title="565: apēlthon (V-AIA-3P) -- From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.">they drew</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3694.htm" title="3694: opisō (Adv) -- Behind, after; back, backwards. From the same as opisthen with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. Aback.">back</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4098.htm" title="4098: epesan (V-AIA-3P) -- A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.">fell</a> <a href="/greek/5476.htm" title="5476: chamai (Adv) -- Adverb perhaps from the base of chasma through the idea of a fissure in the soil; earthward, i.e. Prostrate.">to the ground.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.…<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="/exodus/3-14.htm">Exodus 3:14</a></span><br />God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-2.htm">Psalm 27:2</a></span><br />When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Psalm 40:14</a></span><br />May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">Psalm 56:9</a></span><br />Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-9.htm">Psalm 72:9</a></span><br />May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></span><br />but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-23.htm">Isaiah 49:23</a></span><br />Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-11.htm">Isaiah 50:11</a></span><br />Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who array yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and of the firebrands you have lit! This is what you will receive from My hand: You will lie down in a place of torment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-14.htm">Isaiah 60:14</a></span><br />The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Ezekiel 1:28</a></span><br />The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-46.htm">Daniel 2:46</a></span><br />At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/10-9.htm">Daniel 10:9</a></span><br />I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-4.htm">Matthew 28:4</a></span><br />The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-62.htm">Mark 14:62</a></span><br />“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-30.htm">Luke 4:30</a></span><br />But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As soon then as he had said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.</p><p class="hdg">they went.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm">2 Kings 1:9-15</a></b></br> Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-2.htm">Psalm 27:2</a></b></br> When the wicked, <i>even</i> mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Psalm 40:14</a></b></br> Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/6-66.htm">Backward</a> <a href="/genesis/9-23.htm">Backwards</a> <a href="/john/6-66.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/john/17-4.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/john/11-32.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/john/12-24.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/john/18-5.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Soon</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/20-14.htm">Backward</a> <a href="/genesis/9-23.htm">Backwards</a> <a href="/john/18-10.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/john/20-5.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/john/20-5.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/john/18-7.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/19-6.htm">Soon</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>When Jesus said, “I am He,”</b><br>This phrase echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in <a href="/exodus/3-14.htm">Exodus 3:14</a>, "I AM WHO I AM." Jesus' use of "I am" (Greek: "ego eimi") signifies His divine identity and authority. This declaration is consistent with other "I am" statements in the Gospel of John, such as "I am the bread of life" (<a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>) and "I am the light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>), which reveal His divine nature and mission. The context here is Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, a pivotal moment leading to His crucifixion.<p><b>they drew back</b><br>The reaction of those who came to arrest Jesus indicates a moment of divine power and authority. The soldiers and officials, likely expecting to confront a mere man, are confronted with the presence of the divine. This involuntary response underscores the authority of Jesus' words and His control over the situation, even as He submits to arrest. It also fulfills the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>, where the Messiah is described as being led like a lamb to the slaughter, yet with divine authority.<p><b>and fell to the ground.</b><br>The act of falling to the ground can be seen as a physical manifestation of reverence or fear in the presence of divine authority. In biblical tradition, falling to the ground is often associated with worship or recognition of God's presence, as seen in <a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Ezekiel 1:28</a> and <a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Revelation 1:17</a>. This involuntary act by the arresting party highlights the power of Jesus' identity and the fulfillment of His mission. It also serves as a type of the ultimate submission of all creation to Christ, as prophesied in <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10</a>, where every knee will bow at the name of Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is about to be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arresting_party.htm">The Arresting Party</a></b><br>A group consisting of Roman soldiers, temple guards, and officials sent by the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/garden_of_gethsemane.htm">Garden of Gethsemane</a></b><br>The location where Jesus often met with His disciples and where His arrest takes place.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/judas_iscariot.htm">Judas Iscariot</a></b><br>One of Jesus' twelve disciples who betrays Him, leading the arresting party to Jesus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_phrase_i_am_he.htm">The Phrase I am He</a></b><br>In Greek, (ego eimi), which echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in <a href="/exodus/3-14.htm">Exodus 3:14</a>, indicating Jesus' divine identity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_jesus'_identity.htm">The Power of Jesus' Identity</a></b><br>Jesus' declaration "I am He" demonstrates His divine authority and identity. Believers are reminded of the power inherent in the name of Jesus and His divine nature.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reaction_to_divine_presence.htm">The Reaction to Divine Presence</a></b><br>The physical reaction of the arresting party falling to the ground serves as a reminder of the awe and reverence due to Jesus. It challenges believers to consider their own response to His presence in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a></b><br>Jesus' arrest and the events surrounding it fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This encourages believers to trust in the reliability and sovereignty of God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_adversity.htm">Courage in the Face of Adversity</a></b><br>Jesus' calm and authoritative response in the face of arrest is an example for believers to remain steadfast and courageous when facing trials and opposition.<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/have_you_remembered_the_lord_today.htm">What did Jesus inscribe in the sand?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_teachings_events_in_luke.htm">What are the key teachings and events in Luke?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_consume_meat.htm">What led to Jesus's crucifixion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus'_words_physically_knock_them_down.htm">John 18:5–6 – How could Jesus’ words alone physically knock an entire armed group to the ground, and is there any historical evidence corroborating such a dramatic reaction? </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>(6) <span class= "bld">They went backward, and fell to the ground.</span>--There is nothing in the narrative to suggest that our Lord put forth miraculous power to cause this terror. The impression is rather that it was produced by the majesty of His person, and by the answer which to Jewish ears conveyed the unutterable name, "Jehovah" (I AM). (Comp. Note on <a href="/context/john/8-24.htm" title="I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins.">John 8:24-25</a>.) Guilt trembled before the calmness of innocence. Man fell to the ground before the presence of God. To Judas the term must have been familiar, and have brought back a past which may well have made him tremble at the present. To the officers the voice came from Him of whom they had been convinced before that "Never man spake like this man" (<a href="/john/7-46.htm" title="The officers answered, Never man spoke like this man.">John 7:46</a>). They have come to take Him by force, but conscience paralyses all their intentions, and they lay helpless before Him. He will surrender Himself because His hour is come (<a href="/john/17-1.htm" title="These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you:">John 17:1</a>); but His life no one taketh from Him. For this sense of awe in the presence of Christ, comp. the account of the cleansing of the Temple in <a href="/john/2-14.htm" title="And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:">John 2:14</a> <span class= "ital">et seq.</span><p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/18-6.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">When</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jesus] said,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd 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 /><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">am [He],”</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰμι</span> <span class="translit">(eimi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they drew</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπῆλθον</span> <span class="translit">(apēlthon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_565.htm">Strong's 565: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">back</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀπίσω</span> <span class="translit">(opisō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3694.htm">Strong's 3694: </a> </span><span class="str2">Behind, after; back, backwards. From the same as opisthen with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. Aback.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">fell</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔπεσαν</span> <span class="translit">(epesan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4098.htm">Strong's 4098: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [the] ground.</span><br /><span class="grk">χαμαί</span> <span class="translit">(chamai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5476.htm">Strong's 5476: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb perhaps from the base of chasma through the idea of a fissure in the soil; earthward, i.e. Prostrate.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/18-6.htm">NT Gospels: John 18:6 When therefore he said to them (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/18-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 18:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 18:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/18-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 18:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 18:7" /></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>