King James Version

What Does John 7:35 Mean?

John 7:35 in the King James Version says “Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among... — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? Gentiles: or, Greeks

John 7:35 · KJV


Context

33

Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

34

Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

35

Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? Gentiles: or, Greeks

36

What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

37

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? The Jews misunderstand Jesus's words, thinking He plans geographical relocation. Their suggestion—going to diaspora Jews 'among the Gentiles' (diaspora) or even teaching Gentiles—shows they can't conceive of spiritual realities. Ironically, their confusion prophesies gospel truth: Christ's message would go to Gentiles through apostolic mission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'dispersed' (diaspora) refers to Jews scattered throughout Roman Empire and beyond. By first century, more Jews lived outside Palestine than in it. Teaching Gentiles would have seemed disgraceful to Jewish authorities. Yet their unwitting prophecy came true—the gospel went to Gentiles (Acts 10-11, 13-28), fulfilling God's plan. John's late first-century audience, predominantly Gentile Christians, would see irony in this verse.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does their misunderstanding ironically predict gospel spread?
  2. What does their inability to conceive of spiritual truth reveal about unregenerate thinking?
  3. How did the gospel reaching Gentiles fulfill God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
εἶπον1 of 27

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὖν2 of 27

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

οἱ3 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰουδαῖοι4 of 27

the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

πρὸς5 of 27

among

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἑαυτούς6 of 27

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Ποῦ7 of 27

Whither

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

οὗτος8 of 27

he

G3778

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

μέλλει9 of 27

will

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

πορεύεσθαι10 of 27

go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ὅτι11 of 27

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡμεῖς12 of 27

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

οὐχ13 of 27

not

G3756

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

εὑρήσομεν14 of 27

find

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν15 of 27

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

μὴ16 of 27

will

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰς17 of 27

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν18 of 27
G3588

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

διασπορὰν19 of 27

the dispersed

G1290

dispersion, i.e., (specially and concretely) the (converted) israelite resident in gentile countries

τῶν20 of 27
G3588

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

Ἕλληνας21 of 27

among the Gentiles

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

μέλλει22 of 27

will

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

πορεύεσθαι23 of 27

go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ24 of 27

and

G2532

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

διδάσκειν25 of 27

teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

τοὺς26 of 27
G3588

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

Ἕλληνας27 of 27

among the Gentiles

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew


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 7:35 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 7:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study