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 7:43 mean?

Explanation

John 7:43 refers to the division among the people regarding their opinions about Jesus Christ.

The context is that Jesus has been teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles, and His teachings have elicited mixed reactions.

Some believe that He is the promised Messiah, while others are skeptical or even accusatory, saying He is misleading the people.

The verse emphasizes not just a difference of opinion, but a sharp division, indicating that Jesus' words and actions have provoked a significant controversy and stirred up intense debate among the Jewish people.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The Gospel of John is believed to have been written toward the end of the first century.

The author writes about events that occurred in the middle of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, which was a significant religious celebration that took place in the fall, commemorating the wilderness period of the Israelites and celebrating the harvest.

At this time, Jerusalem would be filled with Jews from across the region.

The tension in John 7:43 arises as people from different backgrounds and beliefs clashed over Jesus' identity during this highly-charged festive season.

Theological Insights

John 7:43 raises questions about the nature of belief and unbelief.

From a theological perspective, this division serves as a microcosm of the broader response to Jesus' ministry.

The passage invites readers to reflect on the nature of the Messiah and what signs or evidence would be needed for faith.

Different denominations have interpreted this division in various ways; some view it as a predestined part of Jesus' mission, while others see it as a human response to divine revelation.

Practical Applications

The division mentioned in John 7:43 suggests that following Jesus may not always bring unity with others.

In practical terms, believers might find themselves in contentious situations where their faith is challenged or opposed.

The application would then be to remain steadfast in faith and to approach disagreements with love, patience, and the willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.

Cross-References

John 7:12 - "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."
John 9:16 - "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day.

Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them."

John 10:19 - "There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings."

Language Study

The key word in this verse is "division" (Greek: "σχίσμα", transliterated as "schisma"), which indicates a split or a rift.

In the New Testament, it is often used to describe divisions or factions within groups of people, especially concerning differences in beliefs or opinions about religious matters.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing the division described in John 7:43 to other cultural and religious contexts, one might draw parallels with the various sectarian movements within different religions, including the multiple branches and denominations that have formed within Christianity itself.

Other ancient myths do not always present a clear-cut division among followers, but they do often feature protagonists whose messages or actions provoke a mix of adoration and opposition.

Scientific Perspectives

John 7:43 indicates human social behavior in response to a controversial figure.

While this verse does not specifically intersect with modern scientific understandings, the study of group dynamics, psychology of belief, and the sociology of religion can all offer insights into how and why such divisions occur within communities.

Commentaries

Commentators have various interpretations of John 7:43.

Some see the division as an inevitable outcome of Jesus' radical message challenging the status quo.

Others focus on how the Jewish authorities were losing control over the people due to the persuasive power of Jesus' signs and teachings.

Still, others highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through the public's diverse responses to Jesus.

Overall, experts agree that this verse captures a crucial moment of conflict and decision in Jesus' ministry.

John 7

John 7

What does John 7:43 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 7:43 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?