“You mean you’ve been taken in as well?” the P’rushim retorted.
“Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees.
The Pharisees therefore answered them, Are ye also led astray?
In John 7:47, we find the exasperated and arrogant response of the Pharisees to the temple guards who failed to arrest Jesus. This verse highlights a crucial moment in the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious establishment during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.
Context
Prior to this verse, the temple officers, sent by the chief priests and Pharisees to apprehend Jesus, returned without Him. When questioned, they explained, "Never man spake like this man" (John 7:46). This unexpected report, acknowledging Jesus' profound authority and teaching, infuriated the Pharisees. Their immediate reaction in verse 47 reveals their deep-seated prejudice and spiritual blindness, as they accuse the officers of being "deceived" just like the common people who followed Jesus.
Key Themes
Spiritual Blindness and Prejudice: The Pharisees, despite hearing the officers' testimony, refused to consider the possibility that Jesus was truly from God. Their rigid interpretations of the law and their preconceived notions about the Messiah prevented them from recognizing divine truth. This illustrates how spiritual arrogance can hinder genuine understanding.
Elitism and Contempt for the Common People: The question, "Are ye also deceived?" carries a condescending tone. The Pharisees believed themselves to be the enlightened, the true interpreters of God's law, while viewing the ordinary populace as ignorant and easily swayed. This contempt for the "unlearned" masses was a hallmark of their self-righteousness.
Accusation of Deception: The word "deceived" (Greek: planáo) implies being led astray, wandering from the truth, or being deluded. The Pharisees couldn't fathom that anyone, especially those considered "unlearned," could genuinely believe in Jesus without being misled. For them, Jesus' popularity was a sign of mass delusion, not divine revelation.
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "deceived" is planáo (πλανάω), from which we get words like "planet" (wandering star). It means to wander, to go astray, to be misled, or to err. In this context, it highlights the Pharisees' conviction that anyone who believed in Jesus was fundamentally lost or mistaken, rather than genuinely enlightened or converted by His teachings and miracles.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of spiritual arrogance and prejudice. It challenges us to:
Examine Our Own Biases: Are there truths we dismiss because of who presents them, or because they challenge our established beliefs or social standing?
Seek Truth, Not Just Confirmation: The Pharisees sought to confirm their existing biases rather than genuinely investigate Jesus' claims. True spiritual growth involves an open heart and mind to God's revelation.
Guard Against Elitism: We must be careful not to look down on others based on their background, education, or social status, especially in matters of faith. God often reveals Himself to the humble (Matthew 11:25).
The Pharisees' question in John 7:47 is a stark example of how pride and preconceived notions can blind even religious leaders to the truth of God's work.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
TRV
In John 7:47, we find the exasperated and arrogant response of the Pharisees to the temple guards who failed to arrest Jesus. This verse highlights a crucial moment in the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious establishment during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.
Context
Prior to this verse, the temple officers, sent by the chief priests and Pharisees to apprehend Jesus, returned without Him. When questioned, they explained, "Never man spake like this man" (John 7:46). This unexpected report, acknowledging Jesus' profound authority and teaching, infuriated the Pharisees. Their immediate reaction in verse 47 reveals their deep-seated prejudice and spiritual blindness, as they accuse the officers of being "deceived" just like the common people who followed Jesus.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "deceived" is planáo (πλανάω), from which we get words like "planet" (wandering star). It means to wander, to go astray, to be misled, or to err. In this context, it highlights the Pharisees' conviction that anyone who believed in Jesus was fundamentally lost or mistaken, rather than genuinely enlightened or converted by His teachings and miracles.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of spiritual arrogance and prejudice. It challenges us to:
The Pharisees' question in John 7:47 is a stark example of how pride and preconceived notions can blind even religious leaders to the truth of God's work.