King James Version

What Does John 7:25 Mean?

John 7:25 in the King James Version says “Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

John 7:25 · KJV


Context

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.

25

Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

26

But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

27

Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? Some Jerusalem residents recognize Jesus is the target of authorities' death plot. Their question reveals public knowledge of the conspiracy. The phrase 'whom they seek to kill' (hon zētousin apokteinai) uses present tense—the seeking continues. This creates dramatic tension: everyone knows authorities want Him dead, yet He teaches openly in the temple.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem residents, unlike pilgrim crowds, would know local politics and Sanhedrin intentions. The public nature of the death plot shows how blatant the opposition had become. Yet Jesus taught boldly despite the danger, demonstrating courage and divine protection until His appointed hour (John 7:30, 8:20).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's boldness despite death threats teach about faithful ministry?
  2. How do we balance wisdom with courage when facing opposition?
  3. What does public knowledge of the plot reveal about the spiritual battle?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Ἔλεγον1 of 12

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὖν2 of 12

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τινες3 of 12

some

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐκ4 of 12

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

τῶν5 of 12
G3588

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

Ἱεροσολυμιτῶν6 of 12

them of Jerusalem

G2415

a hierosolymite, i.e., inhabitant of hierosolyma

Οὐχ7 of 12

not

G3756

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

οὗτός8 of 12

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν9 of 12

Is

G2076

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

ὃν10 of 12

he whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ζητοῦσιν11 of 12

they seek

G2212

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

ἀποκτεῖναι12 of 12

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 7:25 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 7:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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