And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

JOHN 18:2KJV
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John 18:2 (KJV)

What does John 18:2 mean?

John 18:2 explains that Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, knew the place where Jesus often met with his other disciples. This detail sets the stage for Judas leading others to arrest Jesus, since he was familiar with Jesus’ usual meeting spot.

In this verse, John is narrating the events just before Jesus’ arrest. The “place” refers to a garden area (later identified as Gethsemane) where Jesus regularly gathered with his followers. By pointing out that Judas “knew the place,” the verse highlights Judas’s inside knowledge and how it enabled him to carry out the betrayal.

The Greek behind John 18:2

  • παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, G3860): This word means “to hand over” or “to betray.” The Greek here emphasizes the act of deliberate betrayal, not just a casual handing over.
  • συνάγω (synagō, G4863): Translated as “resorted,” this word means “to gather together.” It suggests that Jesus and his disciples often assembled in this spot, making it a familiar and expected meeting place.
  • μαθητής (mathētēs, G3101): The word for “disciples” means learners or followers, pointing to the close relationship between Jesus and those who regularly accompanied him.

Why John 18:2 matters

  • John 18:2 clarifies that Judas’s betrayal was possible because he shared in Jesus’ private routines, not just public events, showing the depth of his knowledge and the personal nature of the betrayal.
  • The verse sets up the narrative tension by explaining how Jesus could be found and arrested away from the crowds, in a place of quiet and trust.
  • This detail connects to the larger story by showing that Jesus’ arrest was not a surprise to him or his disciples, but happened in a place where they often found comfort and community together.

Where else these words appear

“ofttimes” Greek G4178 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
  • 2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

“Judas” Greek G2455 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 3:30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

“resorted” Greek G4863 · used in 62 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.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.