Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just ask why he's being hit; he's demanding a fair trial by appealing to the rule of law. He's pointing out that if his teaching (not just his answer) was wrong, there should be witnesses to that teaching, not just physical violence. This highlights that even in the face of injustice, there's a demand for due process and evidence.
Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been questioned by the high priest Annas about his disciples and teachings. When Jesus responds by asserting the openness of his ministry, an officer nearby, likely impatient or hostile, strikes Jesus across the face. This verse captures Jesus' calm, yet firm, response to this unjust physical assault amidst his illegal preliminary hearing.
Imagine being interrogated, then physically struck before any accusation is even made. How would you react? Jesus' response reveals a profound understanding of justice.
When Jesus is struck by an officer after answering the high priest, he doesn't retaliate physically. Instead, he demands a proper legal process.
A Call for Evidence
Jesus challenges the officer: "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong." He's not asking for a personal opinion, but for concrete evidence that could be presented and examined according to the law. This echoes the principle found in Exodus 22:28, which forbids reviling rulers, implying a proper channel for addressing perceived wrongs.
The Injustice of Arbitrary Violence
His follow-up, "but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?" highlights the sheer injustice of the act. Striking an accused person without a formal charge or proven guilt is unlawful and barbaric. Jesus asserts his dignity by questioning the violence, not by returning it. This isn't about personal revenge, but about upholding the principles of fairness even in the face of brutality.
Some might think Jesus was secretive, but his defense before the high priest reveals a consistent pattern of public ministry.
The interrogation by the high priest touches on Jesus' disciples and his doctrine. Jesus’ response is a powerful defense of his ministry's integrity.
Openness as a Standard
Ask a follow-up
Jesus declares, "I spoke openly to the world... I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where the Jews always assemble. I spoke nothing in secret." He emphasizes that the core of his message was public and accessible, not hidden or subversive. This contrasts with the clandestine methods of those seeking to condemn him.
The Nature of His Teaching
While Jesus did have private times of teaching with his disciples, the substance of his doctrine was consistently proclaimed in public spaces. He wasn't trying to create a secret movement, but to reveal God's truth to all. His question to the officer is rooted in this openness – if his words were wrong, they should have been challenged publicly with evidence, not met with physical violence.
Understand the original words
martyreo · Greek Verb
One who bears testimony or evidence regarding facts or truths. In a legal or moral sense, it refers to testifying to the truth of a matter or providing evidence of one's experience or observations.
This verse captures a pivotal moment of injustice during Jesus' arrest. The historical context reveals that Jesus was not yet before the official Sanhedrin but undergoing an informal interrogation by Annas, a politically powerful former High Priest. The unlawful blow from the officer and Jesus' pointed question expose the mob-like, unjust nature of His preliminary questioning, even as He upholds the principle of seeking justice.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane
Following His last meal with the disciples and His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by temple guards.
c. AD 30
Interrogation by Annas
Jesus is first brought to the house of Annas, the former High Priest, who questions Him about His disciples and His teachings. Annas held significant influence, even though he was no longer the official High Priest.
c. AD 30
Jesus struck by an officer
During the questioning by Annas, an officer, angered by Jesus' calm and reasoned defense, strikes Him across the face. This act is unlawful and constitutes an assault on a prisoner.
c. AD 30
Jesus' rebuke to the officer
In response to being struck, Jesus calmly challenges the officer, asking for evidence of wrongdoing if His words were indeed evil, or questioning the justice of the blow if His words were right. This highlights the injustice and illegitimacy of the proceedings.
c. AD 30
Jesus sent to Caiaphas
After the informal questioning by Annas, Jesus is sent bound to Caiaphas, the sitting High Priest, where the formal Sanhedrin trial would take place.
This passage presents Jesus' teaching on responding to harm, which is directly invoked by His question in John 18:23, highlighting the tension between His own principles and the injustice He faced.
Deuteronomy 19:15The principle that wrongdoing should be established by the testimony of witnesses is foundational to Jewish law, which Jesus appeals to in His response, exposing the illegitimacy of the officer's action.
1 Samuel 24:10David's similar plea to King Saul, 'Why do you listen to the talk of men who say, 'David is seeking to harm you'?', echoes Jesus' appeal for justification and exposes the injustice of an accusation without evidence.
Acts 23:2-3The Apostle Paul's rebuke to the high priest Ananias for striking him without proper procedure mirrors Jesus' own protest, showing that even under duress, there's a right way to conduct trials.
henryJohn 18:13-27: "And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year."
18:13-27 Simon Peter denied his Master. The particulars have been noticed in the remarks on the other Gospels. The beginning of sin is as the letting forth of water. The sin of lying is a fruitful sin; one lie needs another to support it, and that another. If a call to expose ourselves to danger be clear, we may hope God will enable us to honour him; if it be not, we…
calvinJohn 18:19-24: "The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine."
- The high priest then asked Jesus concerning his disciples, and concerning his doctrine. 20. Jesus answered him, I spoke openly in the world; I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews assemble, and in secret I have spoken nothing. 21. Why askest thou me? Ask those who have heard what I have spoken to them: behold, they know what I have said. 22. When he had said these things,…
Jesus doesn't just ask why he's being hit; he's demanding a fair trial by appealing to the rule of law. He's pointing out that if his teaching (not just his answer) was wrong, there should be witnesses to that teaching, not just physical violence. This highlights that even in the face of injustice, there's a demand for due process and evidence.
Jesus has just been questioned by the high priest Annas about his disciples and teachings. When Jesus responds by asserting the openness of his ministry, an officer nearby, likely impatient or hostile, strikes Jesus across the face. This verse captures Jesus' calm, yet firm, response to this unjust physical assault amidst his illegal preliminary hearing.
Jesus has just been questioned by the high priest Annas about his disciples and teachings. When Jesus responds by asserting the openness of his ministry, an officer nearby, likely impatient or hostile, strikes Jesus across the face. This verse captures Jesus' calm, yet firm, response to this unjust physical assault amidst his illegal preliminary hearing.
"Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”" — Jesus doesn't just ask why he's being hit; he's demanding a fair trial by appealing to the rule of law. He's pointing out that if his teaching (not just his answer) was wrong, there should be witne…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026