Bible Strands
John 18:20
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus answers the high priest during his nighttime custody, responding directly to questions about his disciples and teaching methods.
The words — παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia) means openly, and λελαλήκα (lelalēka) translates to have spoken, marking Jesus’ claim that his instruction was never concealed.
The thread — This public stance mirrors Matthew 4:23’s description of synagogue teaching and echoes Isaiah 48:16’s declaration against secret speech. It also aligns with John 7:26, where observers note Jesus’ unimpeded public declarations.
Why it lands — The text records Jesus directing the priest to his public audience, requiring listeners to judge his claims against what they actually heard rather than accept hidden accusations.
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
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 48:16 Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit.
- John 7:26 Yet here He is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying anything to Him. Have the rulers truly recognized that this is the Christ?
- Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
- Luke 21:37 Every day Jesus taught at the temple, but every evening He went out to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.
- Isaiah 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right.
- Matthew 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.
- Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.
- Luke 4:15 He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone.
- John 7:4 For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.”
- Matthew 21:23 When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”