KJV: Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
YLT: the Jews then answered and said to him, 'What sign dost thou shew to us -- that thou dost these things?'
Darby: The Jews therefore answered and said to him, What sign shewest thou to us, that thou doest these things?
ASV: The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Ἀπεκρίθησαν | Answered |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural Root: ἀποκρίνομαι Sense: to give an answer to a question proposed, to answer. |
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Ἰουδαῖοι | Jews |
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: Ἰουδαῖος Sense: Jewish, belonging to the Jewish race. |
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εἶπαν | said |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural Root: λέγω Sense: to speak, say. |
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αὐτῷ | to Him |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Root: αὐτός Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself. |
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σημεῖον | sign |
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular Root: σημεῖον Sense: a sign, mark, token. |
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δεικνύεις | show You |
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular Root: δείκνυμι Sense: to show, expose to the eyes. |
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ἡμῖν | to us |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Plural Root: ἐγώ Sense: I, me, my. |
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ὅτι | that |
Parse: Conjunction Root: ὅτι Sense: that, because, since. |
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ταῦτα | these things |
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural Root: οὗτος Sense: this. |
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ποιεῖς | You do |
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular Root: ποιέω Sense: to make. |
Greek Commentary for John 2:18
They may have heard of the “sign” at Cana or not, but they have rallied a bit on the outside of the temple area and demand proof for his Messianic assumption of authority over the temple worship. These traders had paid the Sadducees and Pharisees in the Sanhedrin for the concession as traffickers which they enjoyed. They were within their technical rights in this question. [source]
Often used in reply to an objection or criticism, or to something present in another's mind, as John 19:7, or John 3:3, where Jesus answers with reference to the error in Nicodemus' mind, rather than in direct reply to his address. [source]
Destroy, Literally, loosen. Wyc., undo. See on Mark 13:2; see on Luke 9:12; see on Acts 5:38. Notice that the word for temple is ναὸν , sanctuary (see on John 2:14). This temple points to the literal temple, which is truly a temple only as it is the abode of God, hence sanctuary, but with a typical reference to Jesus' own person as the holy dwelling-place of God who “was in Christ.” Compare 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Christ's death was therefore the pulling down of the temple, and His resurrection its rebuilding. The imperative in destroy is of the nature of a challenge. Compare fill ye up, Matthew 23:32. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 2:18
Many theories have been suggested like the cross in the sky, etc. Bruce sees a reference to Daniel 7:13 “one like the Son of man” and holds that Christ himself is the sign in question (the genitive of apposition). This is certainly possible. It is confirmed by the rest of the verse: “They shall see the Son of man coming.” See Matthew 16:27; Matthew 26:64. The Jews had repeatedly asked for such a sign (Broadus) as in Matthew 12:38; Matthew 16:1; John 2:18. [source]
See on John 2:18. [source]
See on John 2:18. [source]
Or, little children. Used also by John, in address, twice in the First Epistle (1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18), where, however, the more common word is τεκνία , little children. [source]
The best texts add οὖν , therefore. So Rev. This connecting particle is found in John's Gospel as often as in the other three combined, and most commonly in narrative, marking the transition from one thing to another, and serving to connect the several parts of the narrative. See John 1:22; John 2:18; John 3:25; John 4:28, John 4:30, etc. Much more frequently thus than in the discourses, where it would be used to mark a sequence of thought. Still such instances occur, as John 4:21, John 4:25; John 3:29; John 8:5; John 4:11. [source]
Diminutive of παις pais and used here alone by Jesus in addressing his disciples. It is a colloquial expression like “my boys.” The aged Apostle John uses it in 1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18. Have ye aught to eat? The negative answer is expected by this polite inquiry as in John 4:29. The rare and late word προσπαγιον prosphagion from the root παγ phag (εστιω esthiō to eat) and προς pros (in addition) was used for a relish with bread and then for fish as here. So in the papyri. Nowhere else in the N.T. [source]
Inchoative imperfect, “began to persecute” and kept it up. They took this occasion as one excuse They disliked Jesus when here first (John 2:18) and were suspicious of his popularity (John 4:1). Now they have cause for an open breach. Because he did Imperfect active, not just this one act, but he was becoming a regular Sabbath-breaker. The Pharisees will watch his conduct on the Sabbath henceforth (Mark 2:23; Mark 3:2). [source]
Second aorist active indicative of λαμβανω lambanō The branches of the palm trees Ποινιχ Phoinix is an old word for palm tree (Revelation 7:9 for the branches) and in Acts 27:12 the name of a city. αιον Baion is apparently a word of Egyptian origin, palm branches, here only in N.T., but in the papyri and 1Macc 13:51. Here we have “the palm branches of the palm trees.” The use in 1Macc 13:51 (cf. 2Macc 10:7) is in the account of Simon‘s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Bernard notes that to carry palms was a mark of triumphant homage to a victor or a king (Revelation 7:9). Palm trees grew on the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:8) on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem. The crowds (one in front and one behind, Mark 11:9; Matthew 21:9; John 2:18) cut the branches as they came (Matthew 21:8). To meet him Literally, for a meeting It was a scene of growing excitement. And cried out Imperfect active of κραυγαζω kraugazō old and rare verb (from κραυγη kraugē) as in Matthew 12:19; John 19:15. Hosannah Transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning “Save now.” The lxx renders it by Σωσον δη Sōson dē (Save now). Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Perfect passive participle of ευλογεω eulogeō Quotation from Psalm 118:25., written, some think, for the dedication of the second temple, or, as others think, for the feast of tabernacles after the return (Ezra 3:1.). It was sung in the processional recitation then as a welcome to the worshippers. Here the words are addressed to the Messiah as is made plain by the addition of the words, “even the king of Israel” Jesus is here hailed by the multitudes as the long-looked for Messiah of Jewish hope and he allows them so to greet him (Luke 19:38-40), a thing that he prevented a year before in Galilee (John 6:14.). It is probable that “in the name of the Lord” should be taken with “blessed” as in Deuteronomy 21:5; 2 Samuel 6:18; 1 Kings 22:16; 2 Kings 2:24. The Messiah was recognized by Martha as the Coming One (John 11:27) and is so described by the Baptist (Matthew 11:3). Mark (Mark 11:10) adds “the kingdom that cometh” while Luke (John 19:38) has “the king that cometh.” “It was this public acclamation of Jesus as King of Israel or King of the Jews which was the foundation of the charge made against him before Pilate (John 18:33)” (Bernard). [source]
In sheep‘s clothing just as Jesus had foretold. The outcome fully justified Paul‘s apprehensions as we see in Colossians, Ephesians, I and II Timothy, Revelation. False philosophy, immorality, asceticism will lead some astray (Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:18; Ephesians 4:14; Ephesians 5:6). John will picture “antichrists” who went out from us because they were not of us (1 Jo John 2:18.). There is a false optimism that is complacently blind as well as a despondent pessimism that gives up the fight. [source]
A rather free translation. Literally, “death (note article, and so subject) is done away (prophetic or futuristic use of present tense of same verb as in 1 Corinthians 15:24), the last enemy” (predicate and only one “last” and so no article as in 1 John 2:18). [source]
There is an ellipse here of ουκ εσται ouk estai (or γενησεται genēsetai) to be supplied after οτι hoti Westcott and Hort make an anacoluthon at the end of 2 Thessalonians 2:4. The meaning is clear. οτι Hoti is causal, because, but the verb is understood. The second coming not only is not “imminent,” but will not take place before certain important things take place, a definite rebuff to the false enthusiasts of 2 Thessalonians 2:2. Except the falling away come first (εαν μη ελτηι η αποστασια πρωτον ean mē elthēi hē apostasia prōton). Negative condition of the third class, undetermined with prospect of determination and the aorist subjunctive. Αποστασια Apostasia is the late form of αποστασις apostasis and is our word apostasy. Plutarch uses it of political revolt and it occurs in 1 Maccabees 2:15 about Antiochus Epiphanes who was enforcing the apostasy from Judaism to Hellenism. In Joshua 22:22 it occurs for rebellion against the Lord. It seems clear that the word here means a religious revolt and the use of the definite article (η hē) seems to mean that Paul had spoken to the Thessalonians about it. The only other New Testament use of the word is in Acts 21:21 where it means apostasy from Moses. It is not clear whether Paul means revolt of the Jews from God, of Gentiles from God, of Christians from God, or of the apostasy that includes all classes within and without the body of Christians. But it is to be first (πρωτον prōton) before Christ comes again. Note this adverb when only two events are compared (cf. Acts 1:1). And the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition First aorist passive subjunctive after εαν μη ean mē and same condition as with ελτηι elthēi The use of this verb αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō like αποκαλυπσιν apokalupsin of the second coming in 2 Thessalonians 1:7, seems to note the superhuman character (Milligan) of the event and the same verb is repeated in 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The implication is that the man of sin is hidden somewhere who will be suddenly manifested just as false apostles pose as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:13.), whether the crowning event of the apostasy or another name for the same event. Lightfoot notes the parallel between the man of sin, of whom sin is the special characteristic (genitive case, a Hebraism for the lawless one in 2 Thessalonians 2:8) and Christ. Both Christ and the adversary of Christ are revealed, there is mystery about each, both make divine claims (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He seems to be the Antichrist of 1 John 2:18. The terrible phrase, the son of perdition, is applied to Judas in John 17:12 (like Judas doomed to perdition), but here to the lawless one (ο ανομος ho anomos 2 Thessalonians 2:8), who is not Satan, but some one definite person who is doing the work of Satan. Note the definite article each time. [source]
First aorist passive subjunctive after εαν μη ean mē and same condition as with ελτηι elthēi The use of this verb αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō like αποκαλυπσιν apokalupsin of the second coming in 2 Thessalonians 1:7, seems to note the superhuman character (Milligan) of the event and the same verb is repeated in 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The implication is that the man of sin is hidden somewhere who will be suddenly manifested just as false apostles pose as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:13.), whether the crowning event of the apostasy or another name for the same event. Lightfoot notes the parallel between the man of sin, of whom sin is the special characteristic (genitive case, a Hebraism for the lawless one in 2 Thessalonians 2:8) and Christ. Both Christ and the adversary of Christ are revealed, there is mystery about each, both make divine claims (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He seems to be the Antichrist of 1 John 2:18. The terrible phrase, the son of perdition, is applied to Judas in John 17:12 (like Judas doomed to perdition), but here to the lawless one (ο ανομος ho anomos 2 Thessalonians 2:8), who is not Satan, but some one definite person who is doing the work of Satan. Note the definite article each time. [source]
is hidden somewhere who will be suddenly manifested just as false apostles pose as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:13.), whether the crowning event of the apostasy or another name for the same event. Lightfoot notes the parallel between the man of sin, of whom sin is the special characteristic (genitive case, a Hebraism for the lawless one in 2 Thessalonians 2:8) and Christ. Both Christ and the adversary of Christ are revealed, there is mystery about each, both make divine claims (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He seems to be the Antichrist of 1 John 2:18. The terrible phrase, the son of perdition, is applied to Judas in John 17:12 (like Judas doomed to perdition), but here to the lawless one (ο ανομος ho anomos 2 Thessalonians 2:8), who is not Satan, but some one definite person who is doing the work of Satan. Note the definite article each time. [source]
Another example of the infinitive with ωστε hōste for result. Caius Caligula had made a desperate attempt to have his statue set up for worship in the Temple in Jerusalem. This incident may lie behind Paul‘s language here. Setting himself forth as God (αποδεικνυντα εαυτον οτι εστιν τεος apodeiknunta heauton hoti estin theos). Present active participle (μι mi form) of αποδεικνυμι apodeiknumi agreeing in case with αυτον auton showing himself that he is God. Caligula claimed to be God. Moffatt doubts if Paul is identifying this deception with the imperial cultus at this stage. Lightfoot thinks that the deification of the Roman emperor supplied Paul‘s language here. Wetstein notes a coin of Julius with τεος theos on one side and Τεσσαλονικεων Thessalonikeōn on the other. In 1 John 2:18 we are told of “many antichrists” some of whom had already come. Hence it is not clear that Paul has in mind only one individual or even individuals at all rather than evil principles, for in 2 Thessalonians 2:6 he speaks of το κατεχον to katechon (that which restraineth) while in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 it is ο κατεχων ho katechōn (the one that restraineth). Frame argues for a combination of Belial and Antichrist as the explanation of Paul‘s language. But the whole subject is left by Paul in such a vague form that we can hardly hope to clear it up. It is possible that his own preaching while with them gave his readers a clue that we do not possess. [source]
Present (continuous process) passive articular Intermediate agency (δια dia), the immediate being (εν en in, by) God‘s power.Unto a salvation Deliverance is the goal Prepared awaiting God‘s will (Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18).To be revealed First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
Deliverance is the goal Prepared awaiting God‘s will (Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18).To be revealed First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
See on 1 John 2:18. [source]
Τεκνίον , little child, diminutive of τέκνον childoccurs in John 8:33; 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:21. This particular phrase is found only here (best texts omit my in 1 John 3:18). Used as a term of affection, or possibly with reference to the writer's advanced age. Compare Christ's word, παιδία children(John 21:5) which John also uses (1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18). In the familiar story of John and the young convert who became a robber, it is related that the aged apostle repaired to the robber's haunt, and that the young man, on seeing him, took to flight. John, forgetful of his age, ran after him, crying: “O my son why dost thou fly from me thy father? Thou, an armed man, - I, an old, defenseless one! Have pity upon me! My son, do not fear! There is still hope of life for thee. I wish myself to take the burden of all before Christ. If it is necessary, I will die for thee, as Christ died for us. Stop! Believe! It is Christ who sends me.” [source]
Πνευμα Pneuma (spirit) not expressed, but clearly implied by the neuter singular article to. It is a repetition of the point about antichrists made in 1 John 2:18-25.Whereof (ο ho). Accusative of person (grammatical neuter referring to πνευμα pneuma) with ακουω akouō along with accusative of the thing (οτι ερχεται hoti erchetai as in 1 John 2:18, futuristic present middle indicative). Here the perfect active indicative (ακηκοατε akēkoate), while in 1 John 2:18 the aorist (ηκουσατε ēkousate).And now already As in 1 John 2:18 also (many have come). “The prophecy had found fulfilment before the Church had looked for it” (Westcott). It is often so. For ηδη ēdē see John 4:35; John 9:27. [source]
Accusative of person (grammatical neuter referring to πνευμα pneuma) with ακουω akouō along with accusative of the thing Here the perfect active indicative (ακηκοατε akēkoate), while in 1 John 2:18 the aorist (ηκουσατε ēkousate). [source]
As in 1 John 2:18 also (many have come). “The prophecy had found fulfilment before the Church had looked for it” (Westcott). It is often so. For ηδη ēdē see John 4:35; John 9:27. [source]
Rev, rendering the definite article, the antichrist. See on 1 John 2:18. [source]
See 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:20. [source]
Article with each word, as in Revelation 1:17, to bring out sharply each separate phrase, though one individual is referred to. The one par excellence in popular expectation (1 John 2:22), though many in reality (1 John 2:18; 3 John 1:7). [source]
Second aorist active indicative of εχερχομαι exerchomai perhaps an allusion to the crisis when they left the churches (1 John 2:19, same form).Even they that confess not (οι μη ομολογουντες hoi mē homologountes). “The ones not confessing” (μη mē regular negative with the participle). The articular participle describes the deceivers (πλανοι planoi).That Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh “Jesus Christ coming in the flesh.” Present middle participle of ερχομαι erchomai treating the Incarnation as a continuing fact which the Docetic Gnostics flatly denied. In 1 John 4:2 we have εληλυτοτα elēluthota (perfect active participle) in this same construction with ομολογεω homologeō because there the reference is to the definite historical fact of the Incarnation. There is no allusion here to the second coming of Christ.This (ουτος houtos). See 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:20.The deceiver and the antichrist Article with each word, as in Revelation 1:17, to bring out sharply each separate phrase, though one individual is referred to. The one par excellence in popular expectation (1 John 2:22), though many in reality (1 John 2:18; 3 John 1:7). [source]
“Jesus Christ coming in the flesh.” Present middle participle of ερχομαι erchomai treating the Incarnation as a continuing fact which the Docetic Gnostics flatly denied. In 1 John 4:2 we have εληλυτοτα elēluthota (perfect active participle) in this same construction with ομολογεω homologeō because there the reference is to the definite historical fact of the Incarnation. There is no allusion here to the second coming of Christ.This (ουτος houtos). See 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:20.The deceiver and the antichrist Article with each word, as in Revelation 1:17, to bring out sharply each separate phrase, though one individual is referred to. The one par excellence in popular expectation (1 John 2:22), though many in reality (1 John 2:18; 3 John 1:7). [source]
In the sense of taking up speech in connection with some given occasion, as Matthew 11:25. See also on John 2:18. [source]