King James Version

What Does John 7:19 Mean?

John 7:19 in the King James Version says “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

John 7:19 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

19

Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

20

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

21

Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Jews' question 'Where is thy Father?' reveals spiritual blindness - they cannot recognize that Jesus speaks of God. Christ's response shows that knowing Him is knowing the Father, demonstrating the Son's perfect revelation of God. This Johannine theme (14:9) establishes that Christ is the full and final revelation of God's nature and character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus teaches in the temple treasury (v. 20), the Court of Women where offering boxes stood. This public setting emphasizes the boldness of His claims before religious authorities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How fully does Jesus reveal the Father's character?
  2. Why do people fail to recognize God even when He reveals Himself clearly?
  3. What does it mean to truly 'know' God rather than merely know about Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
οὐ1 of 17

not

G3756

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

Μωσῆς2 of 17

Moses

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

δέδωκεν3 of 17

Did

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν4 of 17

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὸν5 of 17
G3588

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

νόμον6 of 17

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

καὶ7 of 17

and

G2532

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

οὐδεὶς8 of 17

yet none

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐξ9 of 17

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν10 of 17

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ποιεῖ11 of 17

keepeth

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὸν12 of 17
G3588

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

νόμον13 of 17

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

τί14 of 17

Why

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

με15 of 17

me

G3165

me

ζητεῖτε16 of 17

go ye about

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἀποκτεῖναι17 of 17

to kill

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy


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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study