Bible Strands
John 18:7
So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the arresting officers after they fall to the ground in response to His declaration in the preceding verse. He repeats His inquiry to clarify their target before they move against His disciples.
The words — The Greek term πάλιν (palin) translates as “again,” emphasizing Jesus’ repeated inquiry. The verb ζητεῖτε (zēteite) literally means “you seek,” framing the arrest as a targeted search.
The thread — This exchange mirrors Jesus’ initial question in John 18:4 and directly follows the soldiers’ collapse in John 18:6. It bridges to John 18:8, where He reiterates His identity and commands their release.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that Jesus controls the arrest sequence rather than fleeing or resisting. Readers must note that the pursuit is explicitly directed at Him alone, not His followers.
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
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Cross-references
- John 18:4 Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?”