And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

JOHN 18:22KJV
Know the Bible

John 18:22 (KJV)

What does John 18:22 mean?

John 18:22 describes how, after Jesus spoke to the high priest during his trial, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus with the palm of his hand and questioned whether Jesus should answer the high priest in that way. This moment shows the hostility and disrespect Jesus faced from those in authority during his arrest and questioning.

In this scene, Jesus is being questioned by the Jewish high priest, and an officer reacts violently to what he perceives as disrespectful speech. The officer’s action is not just a physical blow but also a challenge to Jesus’ right to speak as he does before the high priest. The verse highlights the tension and injustice of the trial, as well as the readiness of those present to use force against Jesus.

The Greek behind John 18:22

  • ὑπηρετῶν (hupēretōn, G5257): This word refers to an "officer" or "servant" of the high priest, someone tasked with enforcing order. The use of this term shows that the person striking Jesus was acting in an official capacity, not just as a bystander.
  • ῥάπισμα (rhapisma, G4475): The act of striking with the palm of the hand. This is not just a slap but a formal gesture of insult or punishment, often used to show contempt or to discipline someone publicly.
  • οὕτως (houtōs, G3779): Translated as "so," this word points to the manner or tone of Jesus’ answer. The officer’s question implies that Jesus’ response was seen as inappropriate or disrespectful in that setting.

Why John 18:22 matters

  • John 18:22 clears up any idea that Jesus’ trial was conducted fairly or with respect; instead, it shows immediate physical punishment for his words, even before any verdict.
  • The verse emphasizes the power dynamics at play, with officers ready to defend the high priest’s honor by force, highlighting the isolation and vulnerability of Jesus.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of Jesus’ suffering and the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah being mistreated and rejected by those in authority.

Where else these words appear

“struck” Greek G4475 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
  • John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

“officers” Greek G5257 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • John 7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
  • John 18:36 Jesus 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.

“by” Greek G3936 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
  • Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

“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.