King James Version

What Does John 7:10 Mean?

John 7:10 in the King James Version says “But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.” — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.”

John 7:10 · KJV

Context

8

Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

9

When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

10

But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

11

Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. The conjunction 'but' (de) signals contrast—while refusing public journey with the brothers, Jesus does attend the feast. 'When his brethren were gone up' (hōs de anebēsan hoi adelphoi autou) indicates their departure. 'Then went he also' (tote kai autos anebē) shows Jesus attending according to His own timing. The negative 'not openly' (ou phanerōs) contrasts with the brothers' advice (verse 4: 'show thyself to the world'). The qualifying phrase 'as it were in secret' (hōs en kruptō) doesn't mean Jesus hid, but He traveled quietly without public fanfare. This demonstrates wisdom—entering Jerusalem openly would provoke premature arrest or mob attention. Jesus controls the revelation's timing and manner. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's methods often contradict human wisdom—He works through hiddenness and weakness rather than worldly power displays.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals typically journeyed in large groups for safety and fellowship. Jesus's solitary or small-group travel avoided attention. His mid-feast arrival (verse 14) rather than opening-day presence further controlled exposure. This parallels His earlier pattern of avoiding premature publicity—commanding healed persons and disciples not to reveal His identity until the proper time (Mark 1:44, 3:12, 8:30). First-century Jewish festivals were massive gatherings—Josephus estimates up to 2.5 million people at Passover. Tabernacles, though smaller, still drew enormous crowds. Jesus's quiet entrance demonstrates strategic wisdom. The early church learned similar principles—Paul occasionally traveled secretly to avoid opposition (2 Corinthians 11:32-33), and persecuted believers met secretly. Faithfulness sometimes requires discretion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish between faithful discretion and faithless hiding or shame?
  2. When is it appropriate to avoid publicity in ministry or witness?
  3. What does Jesus's strategic approach teach about wisdom in hostile environments?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὡς1 of 19

“as it were”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνέβη3 of 19

“up”

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

οἱ4 of 19
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὶ5 of 19

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτὸς6 of 19

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τότε7 of 19

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

καὶ8 of 19

“also”

G2532

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

αὐτὸς9 of 19

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀνέβη10 of 19

“up”

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς11 of 19

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν12 of 19
G3588

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

ἑορτήν13 of 19

“the feast”

G1859

a festival

οὐ14 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

φανερῶς15 of 19

“openly”

G5320

plainly, i.e., clearly or publicly

ἀλλ'16 of 19

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὡς17 of 19

“as it were”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐν18 of 19

“in”

G1722

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

κρυπτῷ19 of 19

“secret”

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

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 7:10 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 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 5:13Matthew 10:16Isaiah 42:2-3John 7:5Galatians 4:4John 11:54

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