John 18:21

21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

John 18:21 in Other Translations

21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said."

21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.”

21 So why are you treating me like a conspirator? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard."

21 Why askest thou me? Ask them that have heard [me], what I spake unto them: behold, these know the things which I said.

21 Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I said to them. They know what I've said."

21 Why do you question Me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said."

21 Why question me? Ask the people who heard me. They certainly know what I said."

John 18:21 Meaning and Commentary

John 18:21

Why askest thou me?
&c.] He seems surprised at the high priest's conduct, that he should put such questions to him, who stood bound before him; was brought there as a criminal, and was the defendant, and not obliged to accuse himself; nor could it be thought, that whatever evidence or testimony he should give, would have much weight with the persons before whom he stood.

Ask them which heard me, what I said unto them;
he appeals to his hearers, many of whom were then present; and these his enemies, even his worst enemies, so clear was his case, so free was his doctrine from sedition and blasphemy, so innocent was he in the whole of his deportment and conduct, that he even submits to have his case issued and determined by what his hearers should say of him; and these not his friends, but his enemies; see ( Isaiah 50:8 ) ;

behold, they,
or these,

know what I have said;
pointing at some persons present, perhaps the very officers who had been sent to take him before, but returned without him, declaring that never man spake like him.

John 18:21 In-Context

19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

20 “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.

21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”