The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

JOHN 18:19KJV
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John 18:19 (KJV)

What does John 18:19 mean?

John 18:19 describes how the high priest questioned Jesus about His followers and His teachings. The verse shows that the religious leaders were trying to find out more about Jesus’ influence and what He had been teaching His disciples.

In this scene, Jesus is under arrest and brought before the high priest for questioning. The high priest, a leading religious authority, is not only interested in Jesus’ personal beliefs but also in the people who have been following Him and the content of His message. This questioning sets the stage for the trial that follows and highlights the leaders’ concern about Jesus’ impact on the community.

The Greek behind John 18:19

  • The word for "high priest" is ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus), which refers specifically to the chief religious leader in charge of the temple and Jewish religious life. This emphasizes the seriousness of the interrogation.
  • The Greek word for "doctrine" is διδαχή (didachē), which means teaching or instruction. The high priest is not just asking about general beliefs but is probing into the specific content of what Jesus has been teaching His followers.

Why John 18:19 matters

  • This verse shows that the religious authorities saw Jesus’ teachings and His group of disciples as a potential threat, prompting them to investigate both.
  • The focus on both "disciples" and "doctrine" highlights that the authorities were concerned about Jesus’ influence spreading through His followers and His message.
  • Understanding this questioning helps clarify the tension and suspicion surrounding Jesus’ ministry leading up to His crucifixion, and it sets the tone for the trial that unfolds in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“doctrine” Greek G1322 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

“asked” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

“priest” Greek G749 · used in 120 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • John 19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.