John 18:22

“And when he had thus spoken, etc.] What was so right and reasonable, in so becoming a manner, without heat or passion: one of the officers which stood by; it may be one of those who had been sent to him and had been a hearer of him, whom Jesus might look wistfully at, or point unto, when he said the above words, at which he might be provoked: and therefore stroke Jesus with the palm of his hand; or gave him a rap with a rod, or smote him with a staff, as some think, is the sense of the phrase; though the Syriac, agreeably to our version, reads it, he smote him, yhw[wl l[, “upon his cheek”; gave him, what we commonly call, a slap on the face; and which is always esteemed a very great affront,…”

“struck Jesus with the palm . . . Answerest Thou the high priest so--(See Isa 50:6; and compare Act 23:2). (Also see on Mar 14:54.)”

“One of the officers - One of the inferior officers, or those who attended on the court. With the palm, of his hand - This may mean: “Gave him a blow either with the open hand or with a rod” - the Greek does not determine which. In whatever way it was done, it was a violation of all law and justice. Jesus had showed no disrespect for the office of the high priest, and if he had, this was not the proper way to punish it. The Syriac reads thus: “Smote the cheek of Jesus.” The Vulgate and Arabic: “Gave him a blow.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Answerest thou the high priest so? - With so little reverence? John 18:24”

“18:22-23 When Jesus reminded Annas of correct judicial procedure, one of the Temple guards viewed it as insolence and slapped Jesus. However, Jesus knew the law and represented it truthfully. No witnesses were accusing him, and no evidence was being presented.”

“struck: Job 16:10, Job 30:10-12; Isa 50:5-7; Jer 20:2; Mic 5:1; Mat 26:67, Mat 26:68; Mar 14:65; Luk 22:63, Luk 22:64; Act 23:2, Act 23:3 the palm of his hand: or, a rod Answerest: Act 23:4, Act 23:5 John 18:23”