King James Version

What Does John 7:22 Mean?

John 7:22 in the King James Version says “Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day ...” — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 7:22 · KJV

Context

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

24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Read John 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Jesus argues from lesser to greater. Circumcision, commanded by Moses (Leviticus 12:3) but originating with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14), takes precedence over Sabbath law. If the eighth day falls on Sabbath, rabbis agreed circumcision proceeds—violating Sabbath to fulfill covenant obligation. Jesus's logic: if working on Sabbath to circumcise part of a man's body is acceptable, healing an entire person should be also. This demonstrates Jesus's rabbinic reasoning skill while exposing opponents' inconsistency.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinic tradition acknowledged that circumcision overrides Sabbath (Mishnah Shabbat 18:3). Jesus uses their own accepted principle against them. This rabbinic argumentation style (kal v'chomer, light and heavy) moves from accepted practice to disputed issue, showing inconsistency. First-century debates over Sabbath were intense—various Jewish groups differed on permitted activities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's reasoning expose hypocrisy in selective rule application?
  2. What does this teach about the purpose of religious law?
  3. How do we avoid similar inconsistencies in applying biblical principles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
διὰ1 of 22

“therefore”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 22
G5124

that thing

Μωσέως3 of 22

“Moses”

G3475

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

δέδωκεν4 of 22

“gave”

G1325

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

ὑμῖν5 of 22

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὴν6 of 22
G3588

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

περιτομήν7 of 22

“circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

οὐχ8 of 22

“(not”

G3756

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

ὅτι9 of 22

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ10 of 22

“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

τοῦ11 of 22
G3588

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

Μωσέως12 of 22

“Moses”

G3475

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

ἐστὶν13 of 22

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀλλ'14 of 22

“but”

G235

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

ἐκ15 of 22

“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

τῶν16 of 22
G3588

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

πατέρων17 of 22

“the fathers”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

καὶ18 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

ἐν19 of 22

“on”

G1722

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

σαββάτῳ20 of 22

“the sabbath day”

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

περιτέμνετε21 of 22

“circumcise”

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

ἄνθρωπον22 of 22

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 7:22 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 7:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 12:3Genesis 17:10-14Romans 4:9-11Galatians 3:17

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