John 18:20
New International Version
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.

New Living Translation
Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret.

English Standard Version
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.

Berean Standard Bible
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where the Jews always come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.

King James Bible
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

New King James Version
Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.

New American Standard Bible
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple area, where all the Jews congregate; and I said nothing in secret.

NASB 1995
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.

NASB 1977
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.

Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.

Amplified Bible
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple [area], where all the Jews habitually congregate; and I said nothing in secret.

Christian Standard Bible
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews gather, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple complex, where all the Jews congregate, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret.

American Standard Version
Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing.

Contemporary English Version
But Jesus told him, "I have spoken freely in front of everyone. And I have always taught in our synagogues and in the temple, where all of our people come together. I have not said anything in secret.

English Revised Version
Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus answered him, "I have spoken publicly for everyone to hear. I have always taught in synagogues or in the temple courtyard, where all the Jews gather. I haven't said anything in secret.

Good News Translation
Jesus answered, "I have always spoken publicly to everyone; all my teaching was done in the synagogues and in the Temple, where all the people come together. I have never said anything in secret.

International Standard Version
Jesus answered him, "I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogue or in the Temple, where all Jews meet together, and I have said nothing in secret.

Majority Standard Bible
?I have spoken openly to the world,? Jesus answered. ?I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where the Jews always come together. I said nothing in secret.

NET Bible
Jesus replied, "I have spoken publicly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues and in the temple courts, where all the Jewish people assemble together. I have said nothing in secret.

New Heart English Bible
Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jewish people come together. I said nothing in secret.

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

Weymouth New Testament
"As for me," replied Jesus, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have continually taught in some synagogue or in the Temple where all the Jews are wont to assemble, and I have said nothing in secret.

World English Bible
Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jesus answered him, “I spoke freely to the world, I always taught in a synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always come together; and I spoke nothing in secret;

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where the Jews always come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus answered him, 'I spake freely to the world, I did always teach in a synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews do always come together; and in secret I spake nothing;

Smith's Literal Translation
Jesus answered him, I spake with freedom of speech to the world: I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews were always come together; and I spake nothing in secret.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world: I have always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort; and in secret I have spoken nothing.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus responded to him: “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews meet. And I have said nothing in secret.

New American Bible
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue or in the temple area where all the Jews gather, and in secret I have said nothing.

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to him, I have spoken openly to the people, and I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all Jews assemble; and I have spoken nothing secretly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Yeshua said to him, “I have spoken openly with the people, and at all times I have taught in the synagogue and in The Temple, where all of the Judeans assemble and I have spoken nothing in secret.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews come together, and in secret I have spoken nothing.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus said to him, I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.

Haweis New Testament
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews resorted; and in secret have I spoken nothing.

Mace New Testament
Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I was continually teaching in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort, and in secret have I said nothing.

Weymouth New Testament
"As for me," replied Jesus, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have continually taught in some synagogue or in the Temple where all the Jews are wont to assemble, and I have said nothing in secret.

Worrell New Testament
Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews assemble together; and in secret I spake nothing.

Worsley New Testament
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world, I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither the Jews are continually resorting: and in secret have said nothing. Why dost thou ask me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Before the High Priest
19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. 20“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.”…

Cross References
John 7:14-26
About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach. / The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?” / “My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. ...

John 8:26-29
“I have much to say about you and much to judge. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.” / They did not understand that He was telling them about the Father. / So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. ...

John 12:49-50
I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

John 7:28-29
Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “You know Me, and you know where I am from. I have not come of My own accord, but He who sent Me is true. You do not know Him, / but I know Him, because I am from Him and He sent Me.”

John 6:59
Jesus said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

John 8:2
Early in the morning He went back into the temple courts. All the people came to Him, and He sat down to teach them.

John 7:37-39
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” / He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

John 10:23-24
and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade. / So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Matthew 26:55
At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.

Luke 4:15-21
He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone. / Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read, / the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: ...

Mark 12:35-37
While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? / Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ / David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight.

Matthew 4:23
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Luke 19:47-48
Jesus was teaching at the temple every day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him. / Yet they could not find a way to do so, because all the people hung on His words.

Acts 5:42
Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 2:46
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,


Treasury of Scripture

Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

I spake.

John 7:14,26,28
Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught…

John 8:2
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

John 10:23-39
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch…

and in.

John 7:4
For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

Isaiah 45:19
I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Isaiah 48:16
Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.

Jump to Previous
Always Assemble Continually Freely Jesus Jews Meet Openly Resort Secret Secretly Synagogue Synagogues Taught Teach Temple Times Whither Wont World
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Always Assemble Continually Freely Jesus Jews Meet Openly Resort Secret Secretly Synagogue Synagogues Taught Teach Temple Times Whither Wont World
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 answered him
This phrase introduces the response of Jesus to the high priest during His trial. The Greek word for "answered" is "ἀπεκρίθη" (apekrithē), which implies a formal response to a question or accusation. Jesus' response is calm and authoritative, reflecting His divine wisdom and composure even under duress. Historically, this moment is significant as it occurs during His trial before the Sanhedrin, a pivotal event leading to His crucifixion.

I have spoken openly
The Greek word for "openly" is "παρρησίᾳ" (parrēsia), which means with boldness or confidence. Jesus emphasizes His transparency and the public nature of His teachings. This openness contrasts with the secretive and deceitful actions of His accusers. In a historical context, Jesus' ministry was marked by public teaching and miracles, accessible to all who would listen.

to the world
Here, "the world" (Greek: "κόσμῳ," kosmō) refers to the broader public, including both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus' message was not confined to a select group but was intended for all humanity. This universal approach underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.

I always taught
The use of "always" (Greek: "πάντοτε," pantote) indicates the consistency and regularity of Jesus' teaching ministry. His teachings were not sporadic or hidden but were a constant and integral part of His mission. This consistency is a testament to His dedication to fulfilling His Father's will.

in the synagogues and at the temple
The synagogues and the temple were central places of worship and learning for the Jewish people. By teaching in these locations, Jesus positioned Himself within the heart of Jewish religious life. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of synagogues as community centers for teaching and worship during this period. The temple, being the focal point of Jewish worship, highlights the significance of Jesus' presence and teachings there.

where all the Jews come together
This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of Jewish worship and learning. The gatherings in synagogues and the temple were opportunities for collective engagement with the Scriptures. Jesus' teachings in these settings were accessible to all Jews, reinforcing His message's openness and availability.

I said nothing in secret
The Greek word for "secret" is "κρυπτῷ" (kryptō), meaning hidden or concealed. Jesus contrasts His open ministry with the clandestine nature of His arrest and trial. His transparency is a hallmark of His integrity and truthfulness. Scripturally, this openness fulfills prophecies about the Messiah's role as a light to the nations, bringing truth into the open for all to see.

(20) I spake openly to the world.--He does not distinctly answer the question about His disciples, but His words imply that all may have been His disciples. The pronoun is strongly emphatic; "I am one," His words mean, "who spake plainly and to all men." "My followers have not been initiated into secret mysteries, nor made conspirators in any political organisation." "I have not been a leader, and they have not been members, of a party."

I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort.--The better reading omits the article before "synagogue," as in John 6:59, and reads for the last clause, where all the Jews resort. "In synagogue" is an adverbial phrase, as we say "in church." His constant custom was to teach "in synagogue," and in Jerusalem He taught in the temple itself, which was the resort of all the leaders of the people. This refers to His general custom, and does not, of course, exclude His teaching in other places. The point is that during His public ministry He was constantly in the habit of teaching under the authority of the officers of the synagogues and the temple. That was the answer as to what His doctrine had been.

And in secret have I said nothing.--His private teaching of the disciples is, of course, not excluded, but that was only the exposition of His public doctrine. There was nothing in it such as they understood by "secret teaching." It was unlike "the leaven of the Pharisees which was hypocrisy;" for in it there was "nothing covered," "nothing hid." (Comp. John 12:1-3.)

Verse 20. - Jesus answered him, I have frankly (so Meyer, Lange; not "openly," but boldly, with freedom of speech) spoken to the world. Without reserving any of the essentials of my teaching, always I taught in synagogue, and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort and come together; and in secret spake I nothing, which they were not bidden to proclaim upon the housetops. Christ here repudiates esoteric teaching distinct from his abundant public ministry. It is true he explained his parables to his disciples, and he had within the last few hours poured forth the depth of his feelings upon them; still, he had said the same things virtually in the synagogues, on the hillside, in the temple, in the hearing of Greek as well as Jew. Much of that which he had just said in the upper chamber, hundreds and thousands had already heard. This great utterance accounts for the fact that St. Paul had received, long before the Fourth Gospel was written, truth allied to the teaching of the upper chamber.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“I
Ἐγὼ (Egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have spoken
λελάληκα (lelalēka)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

openly
παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3954: From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world,”
κόσμῳ (kosmō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

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

answered.
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.

“I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

always
πάντοτε (pantote)
Adverb
Strong's 3842: Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times.

taught
ἐδίδαξα (edidaxa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] synagogues
συναγωγῇ (synagōgē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4864: From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative 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.

temple,
ἱερῷ (hierō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2411: Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.

where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

all
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews
Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

come together.
συνέρχονται (synerchontai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4905: From sun and erchomai; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or, cohabit.

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.

nothing
οὐδέν (ouden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

secret.
κρυπτῷ (kryptō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2927: From krupto; concealed, i.e. Private.


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