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 7:7 mean?

Explanation

In John 7:7, Jesus is speaking to His brothers about the world's attitude toward Him. He contrasts how the world views His brothers to how it views Him. Jesus suggests that His brothers are not objects of the world's hate because they are part of it and do not challenge its ways.

However, Jesus Himself is hated because He speaks against the world's deeds, calling them evil.

The term "the world" in this context refers not to the physical planet, but to human society organized apart from God, embodying values, priorities, and deeds that are in opposition to God's teachings.

By proclaiming that the world's works are evil, Jesus directly confronts the moral corruption prevalent in society, thereby provoking hostility against Himself.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in a context where early Christians were often in conflict with both Jewish authorities and the broader Greco-Roman culture.

Historical estimates place its composition toward the end of the first century.

In John 7, the Feast of Tabernacles is taking place, a Jewish festival that drew large crowds to Jerusalem.

Jesus' frank speech and growing public ministry presented a challenge to religious leaders.

His brothers, possibly not fully understanding or believing in His divine mission at the time, suggest He make Himself known publicly.

Jesus responds that His time has not yet come, indicating His awareness of divine timing and the antagonism He would face.

Theological Insights

This verse contains several theological themes.

Human Sinfulness: Jesus' assertion that the world's deeds are evil reflects the biblical doctrine of human sinfulness, that humanity is deeply marred by sin and often in rebellion against God's ways.
Persecution: Jesus predicts His own persecution, which illustrates a common New Testament theme that faith in Christ often leads to conflict with the world.
Christ as Light: In John's Gospel, Jesus often appears as the light shining in darkness, exposing sin and evil, which aligns with the statement in this verse.

Different denominations may emphasize varying aspects of this verse. For example, Reformed theology would stress the doctrine of total depravity in humanity’s natural state, while Liberation theology might focus on social evils that Jesus’ teaching exposes.

Practical Applications

Boldness in Witness: Followers of Jesus may take from this verse that they must be willing to speak the truth about moral wrongs, regardless of opposition.
Expectation of Rejection: Christians can be prepared for rejection or hostility as a potential part of living out their faith in a world that often has differing values.
Integrity: This verse encourages individuals to maintain integrity by standing up for what is right, even if it is unpopular.

Cross-References

John 15:18-19 (KJV): "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you."
1 John 3:13 (KJV): "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you."
James 4:4 (KJV): "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek and their meanings:

World (κόσμος, kosmos): This term can refer to the earth, the people on the earth, the universe, or the system of practices and standards opposed to God.
Hate (μισέω, miseō): To detest, to feel hostility toward, or to reject.
Testify (μαρτυρέω, martyreō): To bear witness or to affirm something is true.

Studying these terms within the verse illuminates Jesus' role as a witness to the truth, as well as the inherent conflict between a holy God and a world entrenched in sinful attitudes and actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths and religions, figures who spoke truth to power often faced opposition, hostility, or isolation.

For example, in Greek mythology, Cassandra was granted the gift of prophecy but cursed never to be believed.

This parallel may illuminate a broader human theme of truth-tellers facing resistance.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally refrains from commenting on religious texts.

However, a scientific perspective might consider the psychological and sociological aspects of group behavior, including why people or society at large may reject individuals who challenge the status quo, as seen in phenomena like "groupthink" or "confirmation bias."

Commentaries

Commentaries from various theological experts provide depth to the interpretation of this verse:

Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Henry speaks about the danger Jesus faced in going to Judea due to the enmity He had earned by His teaching but also Jesus' commitment to do His Father's will.
Benson Commentary: Joseph Benson interprets Jesus' words as reflecting His brothers’ safe position due to their unbelief and the world’s ignorance of their potential for good or evil.
Barclay's Daily Study Bible (NT): William Barclay highlights Jesus' unfailing courage to be the light in the darkness, diagnosing and exposing the evil in the world, knowing full well the personal cost involved.

John 7

John 7

What does John 7:7 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 7:7 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?