Bible Strands
John 18:5
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — After Jesus steps forward and asks the group whom they seek, they reply that they want Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus then confirms his identity to them while Judas stands nearby.
The words — The Greek ἀπεκρίθησαν (apekrithēsan) literally means "they answered," marking the group's reply to Jesus' prior question. The phrase Ἰησοῦν τὸν Ναζωραῖον (Iēsoun ton Nazōraion) identifies the specific subject of their request.
The thread — The designation "of Nazareth" connects to the prophetic fulfillment noted in Matthew 2:23. The themes of exposed sin and lack of shame parallel the warnings in Isaiah 3:9 and Jeremiah 8:12.
Why it lands — It requires acknowledging that divine authority initiates the confrontation, not human pursuit. It demands readiness to face the one who steps forward with full knowledge of what is coming.
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
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 3:9 The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves.
- Jeremiah 8:12 Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD.
- Matthew 2:23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
- Matthew 21:11 The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
- John 1:46 “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
- John 19:19 Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.