John 18:6
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
As soon then as he had said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
American King James Version (AKJV)
As soon then as he had said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
American Standard Version (ASV)
When therefore he said unto them, I am he , they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And when he said to them, I am he, they went back, falling to the earth.
Webster's Revision
As soon then as he had said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
World English Bible
When therefore he said to them, "I am he," they went backward, and fell to the ground.
English Revised Version (ERV)
When therefore he said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Clarke's John 18:6 Bible Commentary
They went backward, and fell to the ground - None of the other evangelists mentions this very important circumstance. Our Lord chose to give them this proof of his infinite power, that they might know that their power could not prevail against him if he chose to exert his might, seeing that the very breath of his mouth confounded, drove back, and struck them down to the earth. Thus by the blast of God they might have perished, and by the breath of his nostrils they might have been consumed: Job 4:9.
Barnes's John 18:6 Bible Commentary
They went backward ... - The cause of their retiring in this manner is not mentioned. Various things might have produced it. The frank, open, and fearless manner in which Jesus addressed them may have convinced them of his innocence, and deterred them from prosecuting their wicked attempt. His disclosure of himself was sudden and unexpected; and while they perhaps anticipated that he would make an effort to escape, they were amazed at his open and bold profession. Their consciences reproved them for their crimes, and probably the firm, decided, and yet mild manner in which Jesus addressed them, the expression of his unequalled power in knowing how to find the way to the consciences of men, made them feel that they were in the presence of more than mortal man. There is no proof that there was here any miraculous power, any mere physical force, and to suppose that there was greatly detracts from the moral sublimity of the scene.
Wesley's John 18:6 Bible Commentary
18:6 As soon as he said, I am he, they went backward and fell to the ground - How amazing is it, that they should renew the assault, after so sensible an experience both of his power and mercy!But probably the priests among them might persuade themselves and their attendants, that this also was done by Beelzebub; and that it was through the providence of God, not the indulgence of Jesus, that they received no farther damage.