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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 18:23 - 18:23
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
If I have spoken evil (ei kakōs elalēsa). Condition of first class (assumed to be true), with ei and aorist active indicative. Jesus had not spoken evilly towards Annas, though he did not here turn the other cheek, one may note. For the sake of argument, Jesus puts it as if he did speak evilly. Then prove it, that is all.
Bear witness of the evil (marturēson peri tou kakou). First aorist active imperative of martureō, to testify. This is the conclusion (apodosis). Jesus is clearly entitled to proof of such a charge if there is any.
But if well (ei de kalōs). Supply the same verb elalēsa. The same condition, but with a challenging question as the apodosis.
Smitest (dereis). Old verb derō, to flay, to skin, to beat, as in Mat 21:35; Luk 22:63; 2Co 11:20 (of an insulting blow in the face as here).