King James Version

What Does John 7:28 Mean?

John 7:28 in the King James Version says “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 myse... — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 7:28 · KJV


Context

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.

30

Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Jesus responds to their objection loudly ('cried'—ekraxen). He acknowledges they know His earthly origin but insists they miss the crucial truth: He doesn't come 'of myself' (ap' emautou) but is sent by the Father who is 'true' (alēthinos). The final phrase 'whom ye know not' (hon humeis ouk oidate) is damning—they claim to know God but don't recognize His sent one.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This continues John's theme that knowing Jesus means knowing the Father (8:19, 14:7-9). The Jews' claim to know God while rejecting Jesus proves they don't truly know God. First-century Judaism emphasized knowing God through Torah and tradition, but Jesus insists He is the ultimate revelation. Not knowing Christ means not knowing God, regardless of religious pedigree.

Reflection Questions

  1. Can someone claim to know God while rejecting Christ?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus is sent by the Father?
  3. How does recognizing Jesus as God's sent one change our understanding of God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ἔκραξεν1 of 31

cried

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

οὖν2 of 31

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐν3 of 31

in

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 31
G3588

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

ἱερῷ5 of 31

the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

διδάσκων6 of 31

as he taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

7 of 31
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς8 of 31

Jesus

G2424

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

καὶ9 of 31

and

G2532

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

λέγων,10 of 31

saying

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

Κἀμὲ11 of 31

Ye both

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

οἴδατε·12 of 31

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

καὶ13 of 31

and

G2532

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

οἴδατε·14 of 31

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

πόθεν15 of 31

whence

G4159

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

εἰμί·16 of 31

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ17 of 31

and

G2532

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

ἀπ'18 of 31

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐμαυτοῦ19 of 31

myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

οὐκ20 of 31

not

G3756

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

ἐλήλυθα21 of 31

I am

G2064

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

ἀλλ'22 of 31

but

G235

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

ἔστιν23 of 31

is

G2076

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

ἀληθινὸς24 of 31

true

G228

truthful

25 of 31
G3588

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

πέμψας26 of 31

he that sent

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

με27 of 31

me

G3165

me

ὃν28 of 31

whom

G3739

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

ὑμεῖς29 of 31

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὐκ30 of 31

not

G3756

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

οἴδατε·31 of 31

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


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 7:28 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 7:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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