King James Version

What Does John 7:36 Mean?

John 7:36 in the King James Version says “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 c... — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

John 7:36 · KJV


Context

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.

38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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? The Jews repeat Jesus's words in confusion. They cannot penetrate their meaning. This demonstrates the spiritual blindness Jesus predicted—without divine illumination, even explicit statements remain incomprehensible. Natural human reason cannot grasp spiritual realities without the Spirit's work (1 Corinthians 2:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout John, Jesus's statements confuse hearers until spiritual enlightenment comes. Nicodemus confused new birth with physical rebirth (3:4); the Samaritan woman confused living water with well water (4:11); crowds confused bread from heaven with physical bread (6:34). Only post-resurrection and Pentecost did disciples fully understand. This pattern demonstrates humanity's desperate need for divine illumination.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do spiritual truths remain incomprehensible to unregenerate minds?
  2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in understanding Scripture?
  3. How does this passage demonstrate humanity's need for revelation beyond human reasoning?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τίς1 of 20

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν2 of 20

is

G2076

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

οὗτος3 of 20

this

G3778

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

4 of 20
G3588

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

λόγος5 of 20

manner of saying

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ὃν6 of 20

that

G3739

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

εἶπεν7 of 20

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ζητήσετέ8 of 20

Ye shall seek

G2212

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

με9 of 20

me

G3165

me

καὶ10 of 20

and

G2532

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

οὐ11 of 20

cannot

G3756

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

εὑρήσετέ12 of 20

find

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 20

and

G2532

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

ὅπου14 of 20

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

εἰμὶ15 of 20

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἐγὼ16 of 20

I

G1473

i, me

ὑμεῖς17 of 20

thither ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὐ18 of 20

cannot

G3756

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

δύνασθε19 of 20
G1410

to be able or possible

ἐλθεῖν20 of 20

come

G2064

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


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 7:36 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 7:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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