The word “he” is added and was not in the original language. Jesus actually said, “I am” which is an answer in the style of deity (Ex 3:14), thus again claiming to be equal with God (8:58; 13:19). The soldiers had come out expecting to arrest a fleeing peasant and they find one boldly coming to meet them, with an incredible dignity about Him, and a claim of being equal to the One true God!

Exodus 3:14  God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

John 8:58  “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

John 13:19  “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.

John observes that Judas “was standing there with them.” He who had stood with those following Jesus was now standing with those who were going to kill Him. The “with them” is very significant of whose side Judas was on.

Judas may well have been the focus of Jesus’ words “I am.” Jesus was not so concerned about making Godly claims to those arresting Him as He was in piercing the conscience of Judas and making one last-ditch effort to win him back. A person must be very callous indeed to reject One Who loves them so much that He never thinks of His own welfare, but is always seeking the best for that person, and yet that is exactly what every lost person on this planet is doing, just like Judas did on that fateful night.