📖 John — Chapter 18 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Red lettering identifies words spoken by Jesus; it is an editorial reading aid. Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
John 18:1 When Jesus had Rspoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
John 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: Rfor Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
John 18:3 RJudas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
John 18:4 Jesus therefore, Rknowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, Rstood with them.
John 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, Rthey went backward, and fell to the ground.
John 18:7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
John 18:8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, Rlet these go their way:
John 18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, RPut up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
John 18:12 Then Rthe band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
John 18:13 And Rled him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
John 18:14 Now RCaiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
John 18:15 And RSimon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
John 18:17 Then saith Rthe damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.
John 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, Rwho had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
John 18:19 The high priest then Rasked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
John 18:20 Jesus answered him, RI 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.
John 18:21 Why askest thou me? Rask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
John 18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by Rstruck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
John 18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
John 18:24 Now RAnnas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
John 18:25 And Simon Peter Rstood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
John 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, RDid not I see thee in the garden with him?
John 18:27 Peter then denied again: Rand immediately the cock crew.
John 18:28 Then Rled they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
John 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, RWhat accusation bring ye against this man?
John 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have Rdelivered him up unto thee.
John 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, RTake ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
John 18:32 That Rthe saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, Rand said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
John 18:35 Pilate answered, RAm I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 18:36 RJesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, Rthat I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, RWhat is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
John 18:39 But Rye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
John 18:40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
John 18:1–14 — Jesus is arrested while protecting his disciples
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Jesus meets the company led by Judas and identifies himself, directing that the disciples be allowed to leave. He corrects Peter’s sword stroke by speaking of the Father’s cup, then is bound and led to Annas.
Key Truth: Let obedience to the Father govern the response to threat.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “When Jesus had spoken these ____ , he went forth with his disciples over the brook …” (John 18:1)
Find it in John 18:1 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “… asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, ____ of Nazareth.” (John 18:7)
Find it in John 18:7 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “Now Caiaphas was he, which gave ____ to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man …” (John 18:14)
Find it in John 18:14 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
John 18:15–27 — Jesus answers openly while Peter denies him
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Peter enters the high priest’s court and denies being a disciple. Jesus answers questions by appealing to his public teaching and witnesses, is struck, and challenges the injustice; Peter’s further denials end with the cock crow.
Key Truth: Join truthful speech with humility about your own need for faithfulness.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “And ____ Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, …” (John 18:25)
Find it in John 18:25 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “Why ____ thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have …” (John 18:21)
Find it in John 18:21 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “____ then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.” (John 18:27)
Find it in John 18:27 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
John 18:28–40 — Pilate hears of Jesus’ kingdom but offers Barabbas
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Before Pilate, Jesus answers the accusation concerning kingship by explaining that his kingdom is not of this world and that he bears witness to truth. Pilate declares no fault, but the release offered to the crowd ends with their request for Barabbas.
Key Truth: Do not let public pressure replace an honest response to truth.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “Then Pilate entered into the ____ hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art …” (John 18:33)
Find it in John 18:33 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “____ answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did …” (John 18:34)
Find it in John 18:34 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “Pilate ____ went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye …” (John 18:29)
Find it in John 18:29 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Isaiah 53:7 — The servant’s affliction offers a related passage for considering Jesus’ arrest and suffering.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
Where does loyalty to truth require courage and humble dependence?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. Which account best distinguishes John 18:1–14 (Jesus is arrested while protecting his disciples) from the other movements of this chapter?
2. Which account best distinguishes John 18:15–27 (Jesus answers openly while Peter denies him) from the other movements of this chapter?
3. Which account best distinguishes John 18:28–40 (Pilate hears of Jesus’ kingdom but offers Barabbas) from the other movements of this chapter?
4. How does Jesus distinguish his kingdom's source?
5. What purpose does Jesus state before Pilate?
Notes
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