John 7

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.

Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

So there was a division among the people because of him.

And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

And every man went unto his own house.

What does John 7:30 mean?

Explanation

John 7:30 speaks of a moment when Jesus, despite being in a position where people were actively seeking to arrest Him, remained untouched because it was not yet the appropriate time for His arrest and eventual crucifixion.

The idea of "His hour" refers to the predetermined time for Jesus to fulfill His purpose through His suffering, death, and resurrection.

It implies a divine timeline that governs the events of Jesus’ life and ministry, suggesting that no harm could come to Him until that appointed time.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a Jewish festival celebrated in the fall.

Jesus is in Jerusalem teaching in the temple courts.

His teachings and assertions about His relationship with God stirred controversy among the Jews, particularly the religious leaders.

They were troubled by His growing influence and the claims He made, which they perceived as blasphemous.

The religious leaders of the time were seeking ways to arrest Jesus without causing a public uproar.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse represents the theme of divine providence and sovereignty. It indicates that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human actions and that Jesus’ life would not end until the precise moment God intended.

Some Christian theologians interpret "His hour" as the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry leading to salvation through His sacrifice. Others view it as a testament to Jesus’ divine knowledge and control over His destiny.

Practical Applications

The practical applications for believers include the understanding that God is in control of our lives and that there are divine timings for events to unfold.

It encourages patience and trust in God, even in the face of opposition or danger, knowing that our lives operate within God's greater plan and schedule.

It also prompts believers to consider how they respond to opposition and to trust that God offers protection and guidance at the right times.

Cross-References

John 8:20: "These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come."
John 12:23: "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."
John 17:1 "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"
Luke 22:53 "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word "hour" (ὥρα, hora) is used, which signifies a fixed or specific time.

It's not just referring to a general period, but to a precise moment that has been determined.

The deeper meaning implies the notion of a pre-ordained schedule, underscoring the concept of divine timing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions and myths, the concept of fate or destiny is a recurring theme.

For example, in Greek mythology, the Moirai controlled the fates of both mortals and gods.

Similarly, in John 7:30, there is an underlying theme that Jesus' fate is fixed and certain events must transpire at designated times.

This aligns with the Jewish belief in God's sovereign control over history.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific correlation with the content of this verse, it touches on the philosophical notion of determinism versus free will.

In the modern scientific community, discussions around these concepts typically pertain to cause-and-effect relationships, the predictability of events, and the extent to which free will can influence outcomes.

However, this verse is more theological and philosophical than scientific.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries elucidate on this verse from John. For instance:

Matthew Henry’s commentary highlights the protection God offered to Jesus until the appointed time, a protection that extends to God's servants in their course.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges points out the deep impression Jesus’ teaching had made on the people, which rendered the officers of the chief priests and Pharisees unable to arrest Him.
John Calvin’s commentary denotes this verse as an illustration of the invincible power of God keeping Christ safe until the time came for Him to voluntarily lay down His life.

John 7

John 7

What does John 7:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 7:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?