King James Version
What Does John 18:24 Mean?
“Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.”
Context
22
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand , saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? with: or, with a rod
23
Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
24
Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
25
And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
26
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(24) **Now Annas had sent him bound. . . .**—Better, *Annas therefore sent Him bound*. . . . The reading is uncertain; some MSS. read “Therefore;*”* some read “Now;” some omit the word altogether. On the whole, the evidence is in favour of “therefore.” The tense is an aorist, and cannot properly have a pluperfect force. The rendering of the Authorised version is based upon the opinion that Jesus had before been sent to Caiaphas, and that all which followed from John 18:13 (see margin there) had taken place after the close of the investigation before Annas. This view is certainly more probable than that the words “high priest” should be used of Annas and Caiaphas indiscriminately (comp. Note on John 18:15), but both do violence to the ordinary meaning of language, and, if the interpretation which is adopted in these Notes is correct, neither is necessary.
Jesus was still “bound;” as He had been from John 18:12.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 18:24 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 18:24
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge