What Does John 18:8 Mean in the King James?
Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The verb translated “let these go” also names release from a debt: Jesus answers the search for himself by asking that others be released.
THE MEANING
Danger narrows around a group, and Jesus names himself as the one being sought, then asks that the others be allowed away. The release is physical and immediate: he remains the focus while his companions are given a way out. The verse speaks now of a presence that makes room for others to leave danger.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It breaks the assumption that when power comes to take one person, everyone nearby must be taken too: Jesus names himself as the one sought and asks for the others to go free.
THE ROOT
ἀφῆτε
aphēte
GROWS FROM
ἀφίημι
aphiēmi
To release, leave, or permit to depart; also to remit.
The verb behind “let these go” can describe permitting someone to depart, leaving something behind, or remitting a debt. Greek holds physical release and forgiveness in one word family; here the sense is bodily and immediate, as Jesus asks for his companions to be allowed away.
ALSO GROWS
aphesis: Release, remission, forgiveness.
ἄφεσις
This related noun is used for remission or release from a charge; the same word family links letting people go here with releasing a debt elsewhere.
aphentes: Having left, or having let go.
ἀφέντες
In Matthew 4:20 this form describes the disciples leaving their nets; the word can mark a concrete letting-go, as it does here in Jesus’ request that his companions be allowed to leave.
THE PATTERN
One can place oneself in danger’s path so another may go free.
Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.THE THREAD
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.The verb translated “forgive” is ἄφες (aphes), a form of the same verb aphiemi translated “let these go” in John 18:8. The shared word connects letting people leave a captor’s hands with releasing a charge against them.
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