John 7:46

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The guards replied, “No one ever spoke the way this man speaks!”

Berean Standard Bible:

“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.

American Standard Version:

The officers answered, Never man so spake.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The officers^{G5257} answered^{G611}, Never^{G3763} man^{G444} spake^{{G3779}{G2980}} like^{G5613} this^{G3778} man^{G444}.

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Commentary for John 7:46

John 7:46 is a verse that captures a moment during the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles, where Jesus is teaching in the temple courts. The officers of the temple police, who had been sent to arrest Jesus, return to the chief priests and Pharisees empty-handed. When asked why they did not bring Jesus, the officers reply with a statement of awe and astonishment: "Never man spake like this man."

This verse reflects several themes and historical contexts:

1. **Jesus' Authority and Rhetoric**: The officers' reaction underscores the profound impact of Jesus' teaching. His words carried an authority (Exousia in Greek) that was not typical of other teachers of the time. His rhetoric was compelling, insightful, and resonated deeply with both the common people and, at times, even with the religious authorities' own officers.

2. **Division Among the Jewish Leaders**: The verse hints at the tension and division among the Jewish leadership concerning Jesus. While the officers are impressed by Jesus, the chief priests and Pharisees are increasingly threatened by His influence and the challenge it poses to their authority.

3. **The Festival of Tabernacles**: This festival, also known as Sukkot, was one of the three pilgrimage festivals where Jewish men were required to go to Jerusalem. It was a time of joy and remembrance of God's provision during the wilderness wanderings. Jesus' presence and teaching during this significant event would have amplified His message.

4. **The Role of the Temple Police**: The officers, also known as the temple guard, were responsible for maintaining order in the temple. Their failure to arrest Jesus, despite His public teaching, indicates the complexity of the situation and the respect, or even fear, that Jesus commanded.

5. **A Prophetic Gesture**: By not arresting Jesus, the officers may have unwittingly fulfilled a prophetic role, recognizing and affirming Jesus' divine authority, as later Christian theology would affirm.

In summary, John 7:46 captures a critical moment where the temple police, sent to arrest Jesus, are instead captivated by His teaching, reflecting His unique authority and the growing hostility between Jesus and the religious leaders during a significant Jewish festival.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G5257
   There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑπηρέτης
   Transliteration: hypērétēs
   Pronunciation: hoop-ay-ret'-ace
   Description: from ὑπό and a derivative of (to row); an under-oarsman, i.e. (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable):--minister, officer, servant.
   
2. Strong's Number: G611
   There are 248 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀποκρίνομαι
   Transliteration: apokrínomai
   Pronunciation: ap-ok-ree'-nom-ahee
   Description: from ἀπό and ; to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected):--answer.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3763
   There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐδέποτε
   Transliteration: oudépote
   Pronunciation: oo-dep'-ot-eh
   Description: from οὐδέ and ποτέ; not even at any time, i.e. never at all:--neither at any time, never, nothing at any time.
   
4. Strong's Number: G444
   There are 614 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄνθρωπος
   Transliteration: ánthrōpos
   Pronunciation: anth'-ro-pos
   Description: from ἀνήρ and (the countenance; from ὀπτάνομαι); man-faced, i.e. a human being:--certain, man.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3779
   There are 206 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὕτω
   Transliteration: hoútō
   Pronunciation: hoo'-toce
   Description: adverb from οὗτος; in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2980
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λαλέω
   Transliteration: laléō
   Pronunciation: lal-eh'-o
   Description: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Compare λέγω.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5613
   There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὡς
   Transliteration: hōs
   Pronunciation: hoce
   Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3778
   There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὗτος
   Transliteration: hoûtos
   Pronunciation: how'-tahee
   Description: from the article ὁ and αὐτός; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):--he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.