Bible Strands
John 18:13
They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative follows the arrest by soldiers and Jewish officers, describing the immediate transfer of the bound prisoner. The text places this moment as the first stop before any formal high priestly proceedings.
The words — The Greek ἤγαγον (ēgagon) literally means "they brought away," and πρῶτον (prōton) specifies "first." These terms mark Annas as the initial destination in a documented sequence of custody.
The thread — This initial transfer connects directly to John 18:24, which records Annas sending the bound prisoner to Caiaphas. The movement also parallels Matthew 26:57, where arrested individuals are led to the high priest's house.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to track the procedural movement of the prisoner through the Jewish leadership. It establishes a chronological sequence that demands attention to the order of custody rather than theological commentary.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
Cross-references
- John 18:24 Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
- Matthew 26:3 At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,
- Matthew 26:57 Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.
- Luke 3:2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
- John 11:51 Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation,
- Acts 4:6 along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family.