Joh 18:19-24 | RWP | e4.org | Asked ( ηρωτησεν ). First aorist active indicative of ερωταω , to question, usual meaning. This was Annas making a preliminary examination of Jesus probably to see on what terms Jesus made disciples whether as a mere rabbi or as Messiah.

‏ John 18:19-24

Asked ( ηρωτησεν ). First aorist active indicative of ερωταω, to question, usual meaning. This was Annas making a preliminary examination of Jesus probably to see on what terms Jesus made disciples whether as a mere rabbi or as Messiah.

Openly ( παρρησια ). As already shown (7:4; 8:26; 10:24, 39; 16:25, 29. See 7:4 for same contrast between εν παρρησια and εν κρυπτω.

I ever taught ( εγω παντοτε εδιδαξα ). Constative aorist active indicative. For the temple teaching see Joh 2:19; 7:14, 28; 8:20, 19:23; Mr 14:49 and Joh 6:59 for the synagogue teaching (often in the Synoptics). Examples of private teaching are Nicodemus (Joh 3) and the woman of Samaria (Joh 4). Jesus ignores the sneer at his disciples, but challenges the inquiry about his teaching as needless.

Ask them that have heard me ( ερωτησον τους ακηκοοτας ). First aorist (tense of urgent and instant action) active imperative of ερωταω and the articular perfect active participle accusative masculine plural of ακουω, to hear. There were abundant witnesses to be had. Multitudes had heard Jesus in the great debate in the temple on Tuesday of this very week when the Sanhedrin were routed to the joy of the common people who heard Jesus gladly (Mr 12:37). They still know.

When he had said this ( ταυτα αυτου ειποντος ). Genitive absolute of second aorist active participle of ειπον, to say.

Standing by ( παρεστηκως ). Perfect active (intransitive) participle of παριστημ (transitive), to place beside. One of the temple police who felt his importance as protector of Annas.

Struck Jesus with his hand ( εδωκεν ραπισμα τω Ιησου ). Late word ραπισμα is from ραπιζω, to smite with a rod or with the palm of the hand (Mt 26:67). It occurs only three times in the N.T. (Mr 14:65; Joh 18:22; 19:3), in each of which it is uncertain whether the blow is with a rod or with the palm of the hand (probably this, a most insulting act). The papyri throw no real light on it. "He gave Jesus a slap in the face." Cf. 2Co 11:20.

So ( ουτως ). As Jesus had done in verse 21, a dignified protest in fact by Jesus.

If I have spoken evil ( ε κακως ελαλησα ). Condition of first class (assumed to be true), with ε and aorist active indicative. Jesus had not spoken evilly towards Annas, though he did not here turn the other cheek, one may note. For the sake of argument, Jesus puts it as if he did speak evilly. Then prove it, that is all.

Bear witness of the evil ( μαρτυρησον περ του κακου ). First aorist active imperative of μαρτυρεω, to testify. This is the conclusion (apodosis). Jesus is clearly entitled to proof of such a charge if there is any.

But if well ( ε δε καλως ). Supply the same verb ελαλησα. The same condition, but with a challenging question as the apodosis.

Smitest ( δερεις ). Old verb δερω, to flay, to skin, to beat, as in Mt 21:35; Lu 22:63; 2Co 11:20 (of an insulting blow in the face as here).

Therefore sent him ( απεστειλεν ουν αυτον ). First aorist active of αποστελλω, not past perfect (had sent). The preliminary examination by Annas was over.

Bound ( δεδεμενον ). Perfect passive participle of δεω, to bind. Jesus was bound on his arrest (verse 12) and apparently unbound during the preliminary examination by Annas.