Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

JOHN 18:23KJV
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John 18:23 (KJV)

What does John 18:23 mean?

John 18:23 shows Jesus responding calmly after being struck during His trial, saying that if He said something wrong, evidence should be given, but if He spoke correctly, there is no reason to hit Him. Jesus points out the injustice of being punished without cause or proof.

In this scene, Jesus is standing before the high priest’s officials after His arrest. When one of the officers hits Him, Jesus addresses the unfairness directly but without retaliation. His words highlight the lack of proper legal process and challenge those present to justify their actions if they believe He has done wrong.

The Greek behind John 18:23

  • κακῶς (kakōs, "evil"): This word means "wrongly" or "badly." Jesus uses it to challenge whether anything He said was actually wrong, pressing for a clear accusation rather than vague hostility.
  • μαρτύρησον (martyrēson, "bear witness"): This verb means "testify" or "give evidence." Jesus insists that if He is guilty, someone should provide real testimony, emphasizing the importance of truth and fairness in judgment.
  • εἰ δὲ καλῶς (ei de kalōs, "but if well"): καλῶς means "well" or "rightly." Jesus contrasts speaking wrongly with speaking rightly, underlining that punishment should match actual wrongdoing, not just disagreement or anger.
  • δέρεις (dereis, "smitest"): This verb means "to strike" or "hit." Jesus questions the reason for physical violence, pointing out that it is unjustified if He has not done anything wrong.

Why John 18:23 matters

  • John 18:23 highlights Jesus’ commitment to justice and truth, even when He is being treated unfairly, showing His integrity under pressure.
  • The verse exposes the lack of due process in Jesus’ trial, reminding readers that accusations should be supported by evidence, not just emotion or authority.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme of John’s Gospel, where Jesus is consistently shown as innocent and unjustly condemned, deepening the sense of the injustice He faced.

Where else these words appear

“smitest” Greek G1194 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
  • Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“evil” Greek G2560 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • 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.
  • Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: