King James Version

What Does John 18:2 Mean?

John 18:2 in the King James Version says “And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.” — study this verse from John chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 18:2 · 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.

4

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

Read John 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place (Ἤιδει δὲ καὶ Ἰούδας ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτόν)—The verb ēidei (knew) is imperfect tense, indicating ongoing, habitual knowledge. Judas possessed intimate familiarity with this garden retreat across the Kidron Valley. John emphasizes the tragic irony: a sacred place of communion became the staging ground for betrayal.

For Jesus ofttimes resorted thither (ὅτι πολλάκις συνήχθη)—Pollakis (ofttimes, frequently) reveals this was Jesus's habitual prayer retreat with His disciples. Unlike the Synoptics, John doesn't name Gethsemane, but focuses on the betrayal's premeditation. Judas weaponized his knowledge of Christ's prayer patterns. The place where Jesus sought the Father became the site of His arrest—intimate knowledge perverted into treachery.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The garden was likely an olive grove on the Mount of Olives, a place Jesus frequented for prayer and teaching (Luke 21:37, 22:39). In first-century Jerusalem, wealthy patrons often owned private gardens outside the city walls. John, writing decades later (AD 90-100), assumes readers know the location, focusing instead on the spiritual betrayal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judas's abuse of intimate knowledge challenge you about the responsibility that comes with spiritual access and privilege?
  2. What does Jesus's predictable pattern of prayer—even knowing it made Him vulnerable—teach about prioritizing communion with God over personal safety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ᾔδει1 of 19

“knew”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 19

“also”

G2532

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

Ἰούδας4 of 19

“Judas”

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

τῶν5 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

παραδιδοὺς6 of 19

“betrayed”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτοῦ7 of 19

“him”

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

τῶν8 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

τόπον9 of 19

“the place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ὅτι10 of 19

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολλάκις11 of 19

“ofttimes”

G4178

many times, i.e., frequently

συνήχθη12 of 19

“resorted”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

τῶν13 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς14 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἐκεῖ15 of 19

“thither”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

μετὰ16 of 19

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν17 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

μαθητῶν18 of 19

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ19 of 19

“him”

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 18:2 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 18:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:39Luke 21:37Mark 11:11-12

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