John 18:23
New International Version
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”

New Living Translation
Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?”

English Standard Version
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?”

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered him, "If I spoke evil, bear witness concerning the evil; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?"

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

New King James Version
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

New American Standard Bible
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?”

NASB 1995
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?”

NASB 1977
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?”

Amplified Bible
Jesus replied, “If I have said anything wrong, make a formal statement about the wrong; but if [I spoke] properly, why did you strike Me?”

Christian Standard Bible
“If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit Me?”

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

Contemporary English Version
Jesus answered, "If I have done something wrong, say so. But if not, why did you hit me?"

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus replied to him, "If I've said anything wrong, tell me what it was. But if I've told the truth, why do you hit me?"

Good News Translation
Jesus answered him, "If I have said anything wrong, tell everyone here what it was. But if I am right in what I have said, why do you hit me?"

International Standard Version
Jesus answered him, "If I have said anything wrong, tell me what it was. But if I have told the truth, why do you hit me?"

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”

NET Bible
Jesus replied, "If I have said something wrong, confirm what is wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why strike me?"

New Heart English Bible
Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear testimony of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Weymouth New Testament
"If I have spoken wrongly," replied Jesus, "bear witness to it as wrong; but if rightly, why that blow?"

World English Bible
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jesus answered him, “If I spoke ill, testify concerning the ill; and if well, why do you strike Me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered him, "If I spoke evil, bear witness concerning the evil; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?"

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus answered him, 'If I spake ill, testify concerning the ill; and if well, why me dost thou smite?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Jesus answered him, If I spake badly, testify of evil: and if well, why strikest thou me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strikest thou me?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus answered him: “If I have spoken wrongly, offer testimony about the wrong. But if I have spoken correctly, then why do you strike me?”

New American Bible
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus answered and said to him, If I have spoken any evil, testify to the evil; but if it is good, why did you strike me?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua answered and said to him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil, but if I have spoken correctly, why do you strike me?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you strike me?

Godbey New Testament
Jesus responded to him, If I spoke wickedly, witness concerning the wickedness: but if beautifully, why do you smite me?

Haweis New Testament
Jesus replied to him, If I have spoken in an improper manner, bear witness of the evil deed: but if properly, why strikest thou me?

Mace New Testament
Jesus replied, if I have said any thing injurious, show then wherein; but if I said right, why do you smite me?

Weymouth New Testament
"If I have spoken wrongly," replied Jesus, "bear witness to it as wrong; but if rightly, why that blow?"

Worrell New Testament
Jesus answered him, "If I spake evil, testify concerning the evil; but, if well, why do you beat Me?"

Worsley New Testament
Jesus answered him, If I have ever spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why dost thou strike me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Before the High Priest
22When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?” 23Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?” 24Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.…

Cross References
Isaiah 50:6
I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

Acts 23:3
Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.”

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

Matthew 26:67-68
Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him / and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit You?”

Luke 6:29
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Matthew 27:30
Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.

Mark 14:65
Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.

John 19:3
And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.

Lamentations 3:30
Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.


Treasury of Scripture

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

If.

2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

1 Peter 2:20-23
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God…

Jump to Previous
Bear Beat Blow Blows Evil Jesus Rightly Smite Smitest Something Strike Testify Testimony True. Witness Wrong Wrongly
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Bear Beat Blow Blows Evil Jesus Rightly Smite Smitest Something Strike Testify Testimony True. Witness Wrong Wrongly
John 18
1. Judas betrays Jesus.
6. The officers fall to the ground.
10. Peter cuts off Malchus' ear.
12. Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas.
15. Peter's denial.
19. Jesus examined before Caiaphas.
25. Peter's second and third denial.
28. Jesus arraigned before Pilate.
36. His kingdom.
40. The Jews prefer Barabbas.














Jesus replied
In this phrase, we see the calm and composed demeanor of Jesus in the face of adversity. The Greek word for "replied" is "ἀπεκρίθη" (apekrithē), which indicates a response or answer. Jesus' reply is not one of anger or retaliation but of reason and righteousness. This reflects His divine nature and His fulfillment of prophecy as the suffering servant who remains silent and composed under unjust treatment (Isaiah 53:7).

If I said something wrong
Here, Jesus challenges His accusers to provide evidence of any wrongdoing. The Greek word for "wrong" is "κακῶς" (kakōs), meaning badly or improperly. This phrase underscores the innocence of Jesus, who, despite being falsely accused, maintains His integrity. It invites reflection on the nature of truth and justice, urging believers to stand firm in righteousness even when falsely accused.

testify to what was wrong
The call to "testify" comes from the Greek "μαρτύρησον" (martyrēson), which means to bear witness or give evidence. Jesus is asking for a fair trial, emphasizing the importance of truth and justice. This highlights the legal and moral standards of the time, where accusations required substantiation. It serves as a reminder for Christians to uphold truth and integrity in all circumstances.

But if I spoke the truth
The phrase "spoke the truth" is central to Jesus' mission and identity. The Greek word for "truth" is "ἀλήθεια" (alētheia), which signifies reality, certainty, and divine truth. Jesus embodies truth, as He declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This statement challenges the listener to discern and accept the truth of Christ's words and teachings.

why did you strike Me?
This question highlights the injustice and violence Jesus faced. The act of striking is a physical manifestation of the rejection of truth. The Greek word "πατάσσεις" (patasseis) means to strike or hit, indicating an act of aggression. Jesus' question is rhetorical, pointing out the irrationality and sinfulness of responding to truth with violence. It calls believers to reflect on their own responses to truth and to reject violence and injustice.

(23) Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil.--Comp. Note on Matthew 5:39.

Bear witness of the evil.--That is," Produce the evidence which the law requires."

Verse 23. - Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, come forward as a witness of the evil which thou hast heard. Thus he took no notice of the charge brought against him. But if I have spoken well, why smitest thou me? A quiet appeal to the conscience of the wretched upstart who dared to insult the Lord of glory. It is thus that the Lord explained the spirit of his own injunction, "Whosoever shall smite thee on the one cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39). Nothing was gained by this private interrogatory except an appeal to the outside world of his hearers, and a call for testimony; and no decision could be legally taken against him without incriminating evidence. Dr. Farrar ('Life of Christ') has pointed out with great force that the chief priests and Pharisees, from their intestine animosities, had great difficulty in formulating any specific charge. The Pharisaic ratty, if they made a point of his doctrine and practice concerning the sabbath, would have been foiled by the Sadducean latitudinarians; and the priests did not dare to call in question his imperial cleansing of the temple, knowing that the Pharisees would immediately have justified the act. Consequently, Arums limited his inquiries to the supposed esoteric character of some private teachings to his initiated disciples - a charge that was refuted by the continual publicity and openness of all his teaching.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

replied,
Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“If
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

I said
ἐλάλησα (elalēsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

[something] wrong,
κακῶς (kakōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2560: Badly, evilly, wrongly. From kakos; badly.

testify
μαρτύρησον (martyrēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

to
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

what
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

was wrong.
κακοῦ (kakou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

[I spoke] correctly,
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

why
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

did you strike
δέρεις (dereis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1194: To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash.

Me?”
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: John 18:23 Jesus answered him If I have spoken (Jhn Jo Jn)
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