John 18:8

ESV Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go."

NIV Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go."

NASB Jesus answered, 'I told you that I am He; so if you are seeking Me, let these men go on their way.'

CSB "I told you I am he," Jesus replied. "So if you’re looking for me, let these men go."

NLT I told you that I AM he,' Jesus said. 'And since I am the one you want, let these others go.'

KJV Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

NKJV Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”

What does John 18:8 mean?

This statement is not merely a suggestion. When Judas arrived with heavily-armed men (John 18:2–3), Jesus took initiative and asked who they had come for (John 18:4). He then identified Himself as their target, but in a display of power so overwhelming that it literally knocked the arresting men off their feet (John 18:5–6). Repeating the question (John 18:7) after such a spectacle makes it clear that Jesus intends these men to deal with Him, not the disciples.

Jesus is implying He will cooperate with the soldiers' arrest (Philippians 2:8) but will not allow them to arrest His followers. This fulfills part of the High Priestly Prayer, where Jesus mentioned His commitment not to lose any of His people (John 17:12) In a way, it also parallels the concept of the Gospel. Despite His absolute power, God chooses to place Himself between His followers and danger, taking a punishment they deserve (John 3:16).

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Context Summary
John 18:1–11 occurs after Jesus' High Priestly Prayer (John 17). The garden setting evokes both the beginning and end of human history (Genesis 2:8; Revelation 22:1–5). Christ's obedience contrasts with the disobedience of Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45; Philippians 2:8; Genesis 3:12). Writing after the other Gospels were in circulation, John skips over Jesus' prayers in the garden (Matthew 26:36–46). Judas arrives to identify Jesus so He can be arrested. Christ provides a last demonstration of power before submitting to His enemies. Peter's maiming of a servant is mentioned, along with Jesus' rebuke of Peter, but not the healing of the servant's ear (Luke 22:50–51), or the disciples retreat (Matthew 26:56). David, also, experienced betrayal by a close ally while crossing Kidron on the way to the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:23–31).

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Chapter Summary
Jesus is secretly, quietly arrested in the garden of Gethsemane and taken to a series of sham trials before Jewish leadership. This leads to His encounter with the local Roman governor. Jesus accepts being described as "King" but denies that His current purpose is earthly rule. A mob assembled by Jesus' enemies reject Pilate's attempt to free Jesus. In the meantime, Peter fulfills Christ's prophecy about a three-fold denial.

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What is the Gospel?

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