What does John 7:35 mean?

Explanation

John 7:35 addresses a question posed by the Jewish people in response to Jesus' prior statements about His departure. The Jews were pondering the meaning of Jesus' words when He said that He would go to a place where they could not find Him.

The verse captures their confusion and speculation, with some wondering if Jesus intended to spread His teachings to the Jews living among the Gentiles – a reference to Jews of the Diaspora – and even to the Gentiles themselves.

The deeper meaning behind their question touches on issues of inclusion and the expanding reach of Jesus' ministry beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in a time when early Christianity was distinguishing itself from Judaism.

The Jewish population during that era was not monolithic; it included people living in Judea and those dispersed throughout the Roman Empire (the Diaspora).

There was a tension in understanding the scope of Jesus' ministry , whether it was solely for the Jews or also for the Gentiles.

By the time this Gospel was written, the Christian message was increasingly directed toward Gentiles, a shift that was a source of controversy and division.

Theological Insights

Viewpoints on this verse vary among different theological traditions.

Some may view it as a foreshadowing of the eventual Gentile mission of the apostles, particularly as embodied by the works of Paul.

Others consider it an indication of Jesus' universal mission to reach all of humanity.

Still, others see in it a reflection of the growing understanding in the early Church that salvation through Christ was no longer solely for the Jews but extended to the entire world.

Practical Applications

John 7:35 can encourage believers to reflect on the inclusive nature of Jesus' message and the Christian call to reach out to diverse groups of people.

It challenges believers to consider how they may have placed limits on their understanding of who is part of their community and to think about ways to bridge gaps between different groups, embracing the idea of a faith that transcends cultural, national, and ethnic boundaries.

Cross-References

• John 10:16 - "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
• Acts 1:8 - "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
• Romans 9:24-25 - "Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of John 7:35 include "διασπορά" (diaspora), which refers to Jews living outside of Israel, and "Ἕλληνες" (Hellenes), which means Greeks but in the New Testament often refers to non-Jews or Gentiles in general.

The phrase "που οὗτος μέλλει πορεύεσθαι" (pou houtos mellei poreuesthai) can be translated as "Where does this man intend to go," reflecting their uncertainty about Jesus' intentions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader Greco-Roman world, the concept of a religious or philosophical teacher gathering disciples from diverse backgrounds was not uncommon. Philosophers like Socrates and later Stoic teachers had followers from various walks of life.

However, the Jewish belief system traditionally emphasized a distinction between the chosen people (Israel) and the Gentiles, making the expansion of Jesus' ministry to include the latter a significant and distinctive departure.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science largely operates independently of religious narratives, focusing on empirical evidence and testable hypotheses.

Therefore, John 7:35 is not typically subject to scientific analysis.

However, the methods of anthropology and sociology might be used to understand the movement of religious ideas and practices across diverse populations, as well as the phenomenon of cultural and religious integration or assimilation, which this verse touches upon.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer different interpretations of John 7:35.

Some suggest that the Jews were speaking sarcastically, doubting Jesus' words and mocking the idea that He could have a mission beyond their own borders.

Others see the verse as reflecting a genuine lack of comprehension about Jesus' mission.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for instance, notes that the Jews were blinded by prejudice, so they misunderstood Jesus' clear predictions about His death and the spread of the Gospel.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary indicates that the Jewish leaders were puzzled but also thought Jesus might intend to reach Jews in Gentile lands, showing their limited understanding of the scope of His mission.