King James Version

What Does John 10:23 Mean?

John 10:23 in the King James Version says “And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.”

John 10:23 · KJV

Context

21

Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

22

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

24

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. make: or, hold us in suspense

25

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch—The location is significant. Solomon's Porch (ἡ στοὰ τοῦ Σολομῶνος/hē stoa tou Solomōnos) was a covered colonnade on the temple's eastern side, overlooking the Kidron Valley. This structure, possibly dating to Solomon's original temple, survived the Babylonian destruction and was incorporated into Herod's temple. It was a common gathering place for teaching and discussion.

The verb "walked" (περιεπάτει/periepatei) is imperfect tense, suggesting continuous action—Jesus was walking back and forth, perhaps teaching as He moved, a common rabbinic practice. The setting implies accessibility; Jesus wasn't hiding but publicly available during a major festival when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims.

The irony of location shouldn't be missed: Jesus walks in the porch named for Solomon, Israel's wisest king and temple-builder, yet greater than Solomon is here (Matthew 12:42). Solomon built a house for God's name; Jesus IS God's name incarnate. Solomon's wisdom was legendary; Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). The temple that bore Solomon's legacy housed the true Temple—God dwelling among His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's Porch was also where the early church gathered after Pentecost (Acts 3:11, 5:12). The colonnade provided shelter from weather while remaining within the temple complex. Teachers would walk while disciples followed—peripatetic teaching, later practiced by Greek philosophers like Aristotle (whose school was called the Peripatetics).

The temple setting during Hanukkah drew maximum attention. Pilgrims from across the diaspora filled Jerusalem to celebrate the temple's rededication. This provided Jesus opportunity to teach large crowds and confront the religious establishment on their own ground. The public nature of His teaching (John 18:20) meant witnesses could verify His claims and words.

The eastern side of the temple faced the Mount of Olives, where Jewish tradition expected Messiah to appear. Ezekiel 43:1-5 prophesied God's glory returning to the temple from the east. Jesus teaching in Solomon's Porch on the eastern side carries messianic implications: the glory of the Lord has returned to His temple.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's public teaching in the temple during major festivals reveal about His mission strategy?
  2. How does Jesus fulfill what Solomon's temple and wisdom only foreshadowed?
  3. Why is it significant that the early church gathered in the same location where Jesus taught?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιεπάτει2 of 12

“walked”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

ὁ3 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 12

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐν5 of 12

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ6 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱερῷ7 of 12

“the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

ἐν8 of 12

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ9 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στοᾷ10 of 12

“porch”

G4745

a colonnade or interior piazza

τοῦ11 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σολομῶντος12 of 12

“Solomon's”

G4672

solomon (i.e., shelomoh), the son of david

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 10:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 10:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 3:11Acts 5:12

Places in This Verse

Solomon’s PorticoStructure · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E3 verses across 2 books
View all places in John 10 →

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