This is actually a plural in Greek (“these things”), but the singular pronoun is more natural in English. The Greek does not introduce Jesus’ name until later on in the verse (Revised Standard Version “When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand”). However, in English it is customary to mention a person by name (When Jesus said this) and then use a pronominal reference (one of the guards there slapped him).

Slapped him is literally “gave Jesus a slap (rapisma).” The primary meaning of the Greek noun is a blow with a club, rod, or whip, but it also can be used of a blow with the hand. In this instance, a blow with the open hand was the more likely. In some languages it is necessary to stipulate where such a blow is given, and it is best in this instance to say “he slapped Jesus on the face.”

Guards is the same word used in verse 3 (see there); the reference is to the Jewish Temple guards.

How dare you talk like that to the High Priest! is actually a question in Greek (Revised Standard Version “Is that how you answer the high priest?”), for which a number of translations attempt a dynamic equivalent. Note, for example, Barclay “How dare you answer the High Priest like that?” It was expected that the people show proper regard for God and for the leaders whom he had appointed (note Exo 22.28 and Acts 23.4-5). However, in the present context Jesus is simply asking for a fair trial. How dare you talk like this…? may be rendered in some languages “How do you judge yourself big enough to talk like this…?” or “How can you try to talk like this…?” or even “Who told you that you could talk like this…?”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .