Bible Strands
John 18:23
Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the officer who struck Him in the face during His trial before the high priest. This response follows immediately after the officer questions Jesus' manner of answering.
The words — Jesus answers (ἀπεκρίθη, apekrithē) and demands proof (μαρτύρησον, marturēson) if His speech was evil. The Greek verbs frame His reply as a legal challenge to the physical assault rather than a defensive reaction.
The thread — The pattern of enduring unjust violence without retaliation appears in Matthew 5:39 and 1 Peter 2:20. Paul later appeals to this same mildness and gentleness of Christ in 2 Corinthians 10:1.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to see that Jesus met physical violence with a demand for evidence instead of retaliation. It establishes a standard where truth, not force, governs confrontation.
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, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 2:20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
- Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
- 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
- Acts 23:2 At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.