King James Version

What Does John 7:27 Mean?

John 7:27 in the King James Version says “Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.” — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 7:27 · King James Version

Context

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.

29

But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

Read John 7 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. The crowd's objection: they know Jesus's origins (Nazareth, Mary and Joseph), but expected Messiah's origins to be mysterious. This reflects rabbinic speculation that Messiah would appear suddenly without traceable origin (based on Malachi 3:1, Daniel 7:13). They misunderstand—they know Jesus's earthly origins but not His heavenly origin. Jesus is from Nazareth geographically but from the Father eternally.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Some rabbinic traditions held that Messiah would remain hidden until His revelation (2 Esdras 7:28, 13:51-52). Others expected Him from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, John 7:42). The crowd knew Jesus as the Galilean carpenter's son, unaware of His Bethlehem birth. Their partial knowledge led to wrong conclusions. This parallels modern objections—people judge Christ based on incomplete information.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does partial knowledge about Jesus lead to wrong conclusions?
  2. What is the relationship between Jesus's earthly and heavenly origins?
  3. How do we avoid making similar mistakes by knowing Jesus only superficially?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 14

“Howbeit”

G235

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

τοῦτον2 of 14

“this man”

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

οἴδαμεν3 of 14

“we know”

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

πόθεν4 of 14

“whence”

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

ἐστίν5 of 14

“he is”

G2076

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

ὁ6 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ7 of 14

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

Χριστὸς8 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

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

ὅταν9 of 14

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἔρχηται10 of 14

“cometh”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

οὐδεὶς11 of 14

“no man”

G3762

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

γινώσκει12 of 14

“knoweth”

G1097

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

πόθεν13 of 14

“whence”

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

ἐστίν14 of 14

“he is”

G2076

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

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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 5:2John 7:41-42John 9:29John 6:42Matthew 13:54-57Jeremiah 30:21

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