King James Version

What Does John 18:1 Mean?

John 18:1 in the King James Version says “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the ...” — study this verse from John chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.”

John 18:1 · KJV

Context

1

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Read John 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Jesus had spoken these words—This marks the transition from the Upper Room Discourse (chapters 13-17) to the Passion narrative. Jesus deliberately went forth (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen), the same verb used of His voluntary mission from the Father (8:42, 13:3). He was not arrested; He advanced toward His appointed suffering.

Over the brook Cedron (τοῦ χειμάρρου τῶν Κέδρων, tou cheimarrou tōn Kedrōn)—The Kidron Valley, flowing between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, held profound typological significance. David crossed it fleeing from Absalom (2 Sam. 15:23); now the greater Son of David crosses it to face betrayal and enthronement. This was the ravine where animal blood and temple refuse were disposed—Jesus crosses toward His role as sin-bearer. Where was a garden—Gethsemane. Sin began in a garden (Eden); redemption is secured in a garden (Gethsemane) and completed at a garden tomb (19:41).

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Historical & Cultural Context

John wrote 60-90 AD, emphasizing themes his readers would recognize. The Kidron crossing evoked David's humiliation and return to glory. First-century Jews would see Jesus as the true King entering His passion voluntarily, not as victim but victor. Gethsemane ("oil press") was a private olive grove where Jesus frequently met with disciples (18:2), making Judas's betrayal more intimate and treacherous.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's deliberate crossing of the Kidron reveal about His willing acceptance of the Father's plan versus being a passive victim?
  2. How does the garden motif (Eden, Gethsemane, garden tomb) frame the biblical narrative of fall and redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Ταῦτα1 of 25

“these words”

G5023

these things

εἰπὼν2 of 25

“had spoken”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὁ3 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 25

“When Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐξῆλθεν5 of 25

“he went forth”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

σὺν6 of 25

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῖς7 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ8 of 25

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ9 of 25

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πέραν10 of 25

“over”

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

τοῦ11 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χειμάῤῥου12 of 25

“the brook”

G5493

a storm-runlet, i.e., winter-torrent

τῶν13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κεδρὼν14 of 25

“Cedron”

G2748

cedron (i.e., kidron), a brook near jerusalem

ὅπου15 of 25

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἦν16 of 25

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

κῆπος17 of 25

“a garden”

G2779

a garden

εἰς18 of 25

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὃν19 of 25

“the which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἰσῆλθεν20 of 25

“entered”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ21 of 25

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ22 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ23 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ24 of 25

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ25 of 25

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 18:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 18:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:23Mark 14:32Matthew 26:36John 18:26Luke 22:39-402 Chronicles 15:16

Places in This Verse

KidronRiver · Modern: Kidron River · 31.78°N, 35.24°E14 verses across 7 books
View all places in John 18 →

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