King James Version

What Does John 7:21 Mean?

John 7:21 in the King James Version says “Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 7:21 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

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? that: or, without breaking the law of Moses


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Jesus refers to the John 5 healing of the paralytic at Bethesda pool on the Sabbath, which provoked murderous hostility (5:16-18). 'One work' (hen ergon) emphasizes singularity—this one controversial healing has dominated their thinking. The verb 'marvel' (thaumazete) can mean amazement or indignation. Reformed theology sees Christ's works as demonstrating His divine authority and compassion, revealing the Father's heart even when timing offends human traditions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Bethesda healing occurred months earlier during a different feast. That one Sabbath healing haunted the authorities. First-century Judaism developed elaborate Sabbath regulations (39 categories of forbidden work in Mishnah), making healing controversial unless life-threatening. Jesus systematically challenged such legalism, asserting Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do religious traditions sometimes obscure God's purposes?
  2. What does Jesus's Sabbath healing reveal about God's priorities?
  3. Why do religious authorities often fixate on rule-breaking rather than mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 12

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

2 of 12
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς3 of 12

Jesus

G2424

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

καὶ4 of 12

and

G2532

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

εἶπεν5 of 12

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς6 of 12

unto them

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

Ἓν7 of 12

one

G1520

one

ἔργον8 of 12

work

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἐποίησα9 of 12

I have done

G4160

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

καὶ10 of 12

and

G2532

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

πάντες11 of 12

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

θαυμάζετε12 of 12

marvel

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire


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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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