John 18:3 So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

◄ John 18:3 ►

New International Version
So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

New Living Translation
The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.

English Standard Version
So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Berean Standard Bible
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore Judas, having procured the cohort and officers from the chief priests and from the Pharisees, comes there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

King James Bible
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

New King James Version
Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

New American Standard Bible
So Judas, having obtained the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

NASB 1995
Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

NASB 1977
Judas then, having received the Roman cohort, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Legacy Standard Bible
Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Amplified Bible
So Judas, having obtained the Roman cohort and some officers from the high priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Christian Standard Bible
So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Judas took a company of soldiers and some temple police from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

American Standard Version
Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

English Revised Version
Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Judas took a troop of soldiers and the guards from the chief priests and Pharisees and went to the garden. They were carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Good News Translation
So Judas went to the garden, taking with him a group of Roman soldiers, and some Temple guards sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees; they were armed and carried lanterns and torches.

International Standard Version
So Judas took a detachment of soldiers and some officers from the high priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Majority Standard Bible
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

NET Bible
So Judas obtained a squad of soldiers and some officers of the chief priests and Pharisees. They came to the orchard with lanterns and torches and weapons.

New Heart English Bible
Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Webster's Bible Translation
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns, and torches, and weapons.

Weymouth New Testament
So Judas, followed by the battalion and by a detachment of the Temple police sent by the High Priests and Pharisees, came there with torches and lamps and weapons.

World English Bible
Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Judas, therefore, having taken the band and officers out of the chief priests and Pharisees, comes there with torches and lamps, and weapons;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore Judas, having procured the cohort and officers from the chief priests and from the Pharisees, comes there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Young's Literal Translation
Judas, therefore, having taken the band and officers out of the chief priests and Pharisees, doth come thither with torches and lamps, and weapons;

Smith's Literal Translation
Then Judas, having taken a band and attendants from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes there with lights and torches and weapons.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Judas therefore having received a band of soldiers and servants from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Judas, when he had received a cohort from both the high priests and the attendants of the Pharisees, approached the place with lanterns and torches and weapons.

New American Bible
So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

New Revised Standard Version
So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Judas, therefore, took a company of soldiers, and also guards from the high priests and the Pharisees, and he came there with torches and lamps and weapons.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore Yehuda led a company also from the presence of the Chief Priests and the Pharisees. He led the guards and came there with torches and lamps and weapons.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Judas, then, having received the band of soldiers and attendants from the chief priests and Pharisees, came thither with torches and lamps and weapons.

Godbey New Testament
Then Judas, having taken a band and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes thither with lanterns and torches and arms.

Haweis New Testament
Then Judas having taken a band of soldiers, and the inferior officers of the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and arms.

Mace New Testament
Judas then having got a company of soldiers, and officers, by order of the chief priests and Pharisees, came thither with lanterns, torches, and with arms.

Weymouth New Testament
So Judas, followed by the battalion and by a detachment of the Temple police sent by the High Priests and Pharisees, came there with torches and lamps and weapons.

Worrell New Testament
Judas, therefore, having received the band of soldiers and officers from the high priests and the Pharisees, comes thither with lanterns, and torches, and weapons.

Worsley New Testament
and officers from the chief priests and pharisees, cometh thither with candles, and lamps, and arms.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Betrayal of Jesus
…2Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 26:47
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Mark 14:43
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders.

Luke 22:47
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.

John 13:30
As soon as he had received the morsel, Judas went out into the night.

John 12:6
Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.

John 6:70-71
Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” / He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.

John 11:57
But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him.

Acts 1:16
“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.

Acts 1:18
(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Luke 22:3-6
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...

John 7:32
When the Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus, they and the chief priests sent officers to arrest Him.

John 7:45-46
Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?” / “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.

John 8:59
At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.

Treasury of Scripture

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Judas.

John 13:2,27-30
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; …

Matthew 26:47,55
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people…

Mark 14:43,44,48
And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders…

a band.

John 18:12
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

Psalm 3:1,2
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me…

Psalm 22:12
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

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John 18

1. Judas betrays Jesus.
6. The officers fall to the ground.
10. Peter cuts off Malchus' ear.
12. Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas.
15. Peter's denial.
19. Jesus examined before Caiaphas.
25. Peter's second and third denial.
28. Jesus arraigned before Pilate.
36. His kingdom.
40. The Jews prefer Barabbas.

Berean Study Bible

So Judas brought
The name "Judas" is derived from the Hebrew name "Judah," meaning "praise." However, in the context of the New Testament, Judas Iscariot is infamous for his betrayal of Jesus. This act of bringing soldiers signifies the culmination of his betrayal. Historically, Judas's actions are seen as a fulfillment of prophetic scriptures, such as Psalm 41:9, which speaks of betrayal by a close friend. His role in the Passion narrative is pivotal, as it sets in motion the events leading to the crucifixion.

a band of soldiers
The Greek term used here is "σπεῖρα" (speira), which refers to a cohort or a detachment of Roman soldiers. This indicates the involvement of Roman authority in the arrest of Jesus, highlighting the political tension of the time. The presence of Roman soldiers underscores the seriousness with which the authorities viewed Jesus, not merely as a religious figure but as a potential political threat.

and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees
The "officers" mentioned are likely the temple guards, who were responsible for maintaining order in the temple precincts. The chief priests and Pharisees were the religious leaders of the Jewish community, and their involvement signifies the religious establishment's opposition to Jesus. This collaboration between Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders illustrates the convergence of political and religious powers against Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 2:2, where rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed.

They arrived there with lanterns, torches, and weapons
The use of "lanterns" and "torches" suggests that this event took place at night, symbolizing the darkness of the deed being committed. In a spiritual sense, it contrasts with Jesus, the Light of the World, being confronted by those who walk in darkness. The "weapons" indicate the expectation of resistance, yet Jesus, known for His teachings on peace and non-violence, offers no such resistance. This moment is a profound illustration of the spiritual battle between light and darkness, truth and deception, and the fulfillment of Jesus' mission to lay down His life willingly.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) A band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees.--Better, the band, and officers from the chief priests and Pharieess. The other Gospels tell us of a "great multitude" (Matt.), or a "multitude" (Mark and Luke). St. John uses the technical word for the Roman cohort. It was the garrison band from Fort Antonia, at the north-east corner of the Temple. This well-known "band" is mentioned again in the New Testament (in John 18:12; Matthew 27:27; Mark 15:16; Acts 21:31). (Comp. Notes at these places.) The word occurs also in Acts 10:1 ("the Italian band") and Acts 27:1 ("Augustus' band"). The Authorised version misleads, by closely connecting in one clause two distinct things, "a band of men and officers." The band was Roman; the "officers" were the Temple servants, of whom we read in John 7:32; John 7:45. These were sent, here, as there, by the chief priests and Pharisees, with Judas for their guide, and their authority was supported by the civil power. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - Judas therefore, because he knew the place, was able treacherously to use his knowledge. Having received the cohort, Ἡ σπεῖρα is used for the lemon or portion of the legion of soldiers, who, under the direction of the Roman procurator, garrisoned the Tower of Antonia, which dominated the north-east temple courts. The article (τὴν) is probably used because the χιλίαρχος, military tribune, chief captain, or commander of the thousand men, had (Ver. 12) accompanied the detachment. "The word σπεῖρα, is used by Polybius for the Latin manipulus, not cohors (Polyb., 11:23), consisting of about two hundred men, the third part of a cohort" (Westcott). It should, however, be observed that the word is used of the Roman garrison of the tower (Acts 10:1; Acts 21:31; Acts 27:1; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 20:04. 3; ' Bell. Jud.,' 5:05. 8). Ξιλίαρχος was the proper name for the commander of a cohors, equivalent to one-sixth of a legion, i.e. a thousand men and a hundred and twenty horsemen. The strength of the cohort differed according to circumstances and need. Josephus ('Bell. Jud.,' 3:04. 2) says that some σπείραι consisted of a thousand, some of six hundred, men. It is not rational to suppose that the whole cohort were visibly present, but they were-present in close proximity. Though John alone mentions the Roman soldiers, yet cf. Matthew 26:53, 54, where our Lord says, "Thinkest thou not that I could pray (παρεκαλέσαι) my Father, and he would henceforth furnish me with more than twelve legions of angels?" - a legion of angels for each one of the little group. The presence of this band of Roman soldiers with the Jewish police gives very great force and impressiveness to this scene of Israel's degradation and of the world's assault upon the Divine Savior. The other hints given by the synoptists of the presence of weapons in the "band," is Peter's use of the sword. Judas brought with him, not only the drilled and armed Roman soldiers, but the officers from the chief priests and of the Pharisees; i.e. a detachment of the Jewish guard of the temple, under direction of the Sanhedrin. The chief priests would have small difficulty in securing the aid of a detachment of the Roman garrison to prevent popular outbreak at the time of the feast. These ὑπηρέται, under the direction of the chief priests and Pharisees, have been mentioned in John 7:32 and 45, and the same name is given to the ὑπηρέται in Acts 5:22, 26, where the high priests and Sadducees are spoken of as their masters. In Luke 22:4, 52 the commandants of the temple are spoken of in the plural, στρατηγοῖς τοῦ ἱεροῦ. The Jewish guard was under the custody of one officer, ὁ στρατηγός, and he was a man of high rank and dignity (Josephus, ' Ant.,' 20:6. 2; ' Bell. Jud.,' 2:17.2) - not two, but one; the reference to more than one must therefore point to the Roman military official as well, thus unconsciously sustaining the more definite information given by John. Judas with his band cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons; for, though it was the Paschal full moon, they were intent on finding an individual, whom Judas would identify for them, amid the depths of the olive shades. (Λαμπάς is in its primary sense a torch, or even meteoric light, but it is used for a lamp or lantern; and φανός also is used for "torch" primarily, with secondary meaning of "lantern.") Matthew and Mark mention "swords" and "staves," but say nothing of the flaring torches which so arrested the eve of John. Thoma sees a reference to the frequent declaration of Christ, that he was the "Light of the world," and to the contrast between that light and the power of darkness.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

Judas
Ἰούδας (Ioudas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2455: Of Hebrew origin; Judas, the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region.

brought
λαβὼν (labōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

a band of soldiers
σπεῖραν (speiran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4686: A cohort, the tenth part of a legion; a military guard.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

officers
ὑπηρέτας (hypēretas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5257: From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chief priests
ἀρχιερέων (archiereōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Pharisees.
Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

They arrived
ἔρχεται (erchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

[at the garden]
ἐκεῖ (ekei)
Adverb
Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.

[carrying]
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

lanterns,
φανῶν (phanōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5322: A torch, lantern, light. From phaino; a lightener, i.e. Light; lantern.

torches,
λαμπάδων (lampadōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 2985: A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a 'lamp' or flambeau.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

weapons.
ὅπλων (hoplōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3696: An instrument; plur: arms, weapons. Probably from a primary hepo; an implement or utensil or tool.

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NT Gospels: John 18:3 Judas then having taken a detachment (Jhn Jo Jn)