John 18:20
ESV
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.
NIV
"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.
NASB
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.
CSB
"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 congregate, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret.
NLT
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.
KJV
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.
NKJV
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.
What does John 18:20 mean?
Jesus enemies are putting on a show, going through the motions of a trial, when they've already condemned and sentenced Him in their own minds (John 11:57; Mark 14:1–2). Jerusalem's religious leaders intend to paint Jesus as a blasphemer in the eyes of Israel, and a rebel in the eyes of the Roman Empire. Part of that sham will involve false witnesses (Mark 14:55–59). It also includes asking Jesus to explain His teachings (John 18:19).Christ's response is matter-of-fact. He also appeals to the idea of a fair trial (John 18:21). In short, Jesus' response is to say, "everyone knows what I teach, so where is your evidence I've done wrong?" In truth, it has been Jesus' public teaching and conflict with these very religious leaders that has earned their hatred (John 7:26; Matthew 22:46). Even though Jesus will submit to their abuse (John 18:22) and condemnation, He will leave them no room to plead ignorance.
