The feast and Jesus' brethren
John 7:1–13FocusTiming and divided opinion
Connection to the wholeThe discussion with His brethren and the crowds' uncertainty establish the contested setting for Jesus' teaching at the feast.
interpretation John 7:27
KJVHowbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
Read it in context
Teaching and disputed identity
Start reading at John 7:14 (John 7:14 to John 7:36).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus answers questions about His teaching and origin while opposition develops and hearers remain divided over His identity.
- 7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
- 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
- 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
- 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
- 7:18 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.
- 7:19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
- 7:20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
- 7:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
- 7:22 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.
- 7:23 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?
- 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
- 7:25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
- 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
- 7:27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
- 7:28 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.
- 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
- 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
- 7:31 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?
- 7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
- 7:33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
- 7:34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
- 7:35 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?
- 7:36 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?
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 7:1–7:53): Jesus' brothers speak with Him before the feast; in Jerusalem He teaches among divided crowds, religious leaders, and officers sent to arrest Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Teaching and disputed identity. Read John 7:14 through John 7:36 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus answers questions about His teaching and origin while opposition develops and hearers remain divided over His identity. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Teaching and disputed identity (John 7:14 to John 7:36). Start reading at John 7:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 7:14, John 7:36, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- we know John 7:15 John 6:42 Matt 13:54-57 Mark 6:3 Luke 4:22
- no man John 7:41-42 Isa 11:1 Isa 53:8 Jer 23:5 Jer 30:21 Mic 5:2 Matt 2:5-6 Acts 8:33
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 7
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
FocusOrigin, judgment, and mission
Connection to the wholeJesus answers questions about His teaching and origin while opposition develops and hearers remain divided over His identity.
interpretation Living water and division
John 7:37–53FocusThe Spirit promised
Connection to the wholeJesus' invitation concerning living water is explained with reference to the Spirit; the chapter closes with divided responses among people and leaders.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.