New Testament
John 18:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
Compare translations
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
What John 18:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is taken to Annas after his arrest. Annas was a significant figure because he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. This indicates the close connections and influence within the Jewish leadership. Annas had previously served as high priest and still held considerable power and authority. The mention of both Annas and Caiaphas highlights the political and religious dynamics at play during Jesus' trial. This moment sets the stage for the events that follow, as Jesus faces a series of interrogations and trials that will ultimately lead to his crucifixion. The choice to bring Jesus to Annas first suggests a strategic move by the authorities to ensure that they could control the narrative and proceedings against him. This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships and power structures within the religious leadership of the time, which played a crucial role in the unfolding of the events leading to Jesus' death.
How to apply John 18:13 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding the influence of relationships in our own lives. Just as Annas and Caiaphas were connected, our connections can impact our decisions and actions. We should strive to build relationships that reflect integrity and truth, especially in challenging situations.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 18:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 18:13
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 18:13 mean?
John 18:13 describes the moment Jesus is taken to Annas after his arrest. Annas was influential as the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest, indicating the close ties and power dynamics within the Jewish leadership during Jesus' trial.
Who is Annas in John 18:13?
Annas is mentioned in John 18:13 as the first person to whom Jesus was taken after his arrest. He was a former high priest and held significant influence, being the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the current high priest.
What is the significance of Caiaphas in John 18:13?
Caiaphas is significant in John 18:13 as the high priest at the time of Jesus' trial. His relationship with Annas, who was his father-in-law, highlights the interconnectedness of the Jewish religious authorities and their role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
What does the phrase 'father-in-law of Caiaphas' imply in John 18:13?
The phrase 'father-in-law of Caiaphas' in John 18:13 implies a familial connection that suggests a consolidation of power within the Jewish leadership. This relationship indicates how personal ties influenced the political and religious decisions during Jesus' trial.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.