Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

JOHN 18:8KJV
Know the Bible

John 18:8 (KJV)

What does John 18:8 mean?

John 18:8 records Jesus telling the group that came to arrest him that since he has already identified himself, they should let his followers go free. Jesus is taking responsibility and protecting his disciples from being arrested or harmed.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the soldiers and officials who have come to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He steps forward, confirming his identity, and then asks that his companions be allowed to leave. This shows Jesus’ concern for his followers’ safety, even as he faces arrest.

The Greek behind John 18:8

  • The word ἐγώ εἰμι (egō eimi, “I am”) is used by Jesus to identify himself. In Greek, this phrase can carry a strong sense of self-identification, and in John’s Gospel, it sometimes echoes God’s self-revelation in the Old Testament.
  • The word ἀφίετε (aphiete, “let…go”) is a command meaning to release or permit to leave. Jesus is not just making a suggestion but firmly asking for his disciples’ release.
  • The word ζητεῖτε (zēteite, “seek”) refers to searching for or pursuing someone. Jesus points out that their true target is him, not his followers.

Why John 18:8 matters

  • John 18:8 highlights Jesus’ willingness to protect his disciples, showing his care and leadership even in a moment of crisis.
  • The verse clarifies that Jesus is surrendering himself willingly, not being taken by surprise or force.
  • This moment connects to earlier statements Jesus made about not losing any of those given to him, showing his consistency and fulfillment of his own words.

Where else these words appear

“these” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

“way” Greek G5217 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • John 9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

“seek” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
  • John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.