King James Version

What Does John 7:26 Mean?

John 7:26 in the King James Version says “But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 7:26 · KJV


Context

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.

28

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? The people marvel that Jesus teaches 'boldly' (parrēsia) while authorities do nothing. They wonder if the rulers' inaction means they've concluded Jesus is Messiah. This speculation shows confusion—if He's so dangerous, why isn't He arrested? If He's Messiah, why don't rulers acknowledge it? The question reveals divided opinion about Jesus's identity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The crowd couldn't reconcile the authorities' murderous intent with their current inaction. Jesus's public teaching should provoke arrest, yet doesn't. Some wondered if rulers secretly believed. Others (verse 27) doubted based on misunderstanding about Messiah's origins. This confusion continues throughout chapter 7.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might authorities delay arresting Jesus despite wanting Him dead?
  2. What does the crowd's speculation reveal about human understanding of God's timing?
  3. How does confusion about Jesus's identity continue today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

But

G2532

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

ἴδε2 of 19
G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

παῤῥησίᾳ3 of 19

boldly

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

λαλεῖ4 of 19

he speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ5 of 19

But

G2532

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

οὐδὲν6 of 19

nothing

G3762

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

αὐτῷ7 of 19

unto him

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

λέγουσιν8 of 19

they say

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

μήποτε9 of 19

indeed

G3379

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

ἀληθῶς10 of 19

the very

G230

truly

ἔγνωσαν11 of 19

Do

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

οἱ12 of 19
G3588

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

ἄρχοντες13 of 19

the rulers

G758

a first (in rank or power)

ὅτι14 of 19

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὗτός15 of 19

this

G3778

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

ἐστιν16 of 19

is

G2076

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

ἀληθῶς17 of 19

the very

G230

truly

18 of 19
G3588

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

Χριστός19 of 19

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 7:26 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 7:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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