John 10:20

KJV

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} many {G4183} of {G1537} them {G846} said {G3004}, He hath {G2192} a devil {G1140}, and {G2532} is mad {G3105}; why {G5101} hear ye {G191} him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Many of them said, “He has a demon!” and “He’s meshugga! Why do you listen to him?”

Berean Standard Bible

Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?”

American Standard Version

And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The sharp polarization among the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem following Jesus' profound teachings about His divine identity and intimate unity with God the Father. Many of those listening, unable or unwilling to accept such radical claims, vehemently denounced Him, asserting that He was possessed by a demon and mentally deranged, and questioned the rationality of anyone who would continue to listen to His words.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' powerful discourse in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd") where He presents Himself as the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"). He speaks of His unique relationship with His sheep, His ability to give them eternal life, and His secure protection of them from all external threats. Crucially, He culminates this teaching with the audacious declaration, "[I and my Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father")," a statement that unequivocally claims divine equality and unity of essence with God. The reaction in [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity") is a direct, visceral response to these claims, which were perceived as blasphemous by those who rejected His messianic and divine authority. The narrative then proceeds to describe further division and an attempt to stone Jesus for blasphemy, directly linking His claims to their accusations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society was deeply monotheistic, upholding the absolute singularity of God as articulated in the [Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema"). Therefore, Jesus' claims of unity with the Father and His divine authority were not merely theological disagreements but direct challenges to the core tenets of their faith. Accusations of demon possession (having a "devil") were common ways to discredit individuals whose teachings or actions were deemed unorthodox or threatening, especially if they displayed unusual power or wisdom that could not be explained by conventional means. Similarly, calling someone "mad" or "insane" was a profound insult, aiming to dismiss their words as irrational and unworthy of consideration. Such labels served to delegitimize Jesus in the eyes of the public and justify opposition to Him, avoiding the need to engage with the substance of His claims. The setting is likely Jerusalem, possibly within the temple precincts during the Feast of Dedication ([John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Feast of Dedication")), a time when large crowds gathered, intensifying the public nature of these confrontations.

* **Key Themes:** [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity") powerfully contributes to several recurring themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Profound Division** that Jesus' presence and teachings consistently created among His hearers. His words were never met with neutrality; they either drew people to faith or provoked intense opposition, as seen throughout [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel According to John"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Misunderstanding and Rejection** of Jesus' true identity. Those who accuse Him demonstrate a spiritual blindness, attributing His divine power and wisdom to malevolent forces or mental instability rather than recognizing Him as the Son of God. This echoes earlier instances where Jesus' opponents sought to discredit Him, such as when they accused Him of being a Samaritan and having a demon in [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Accusations Against Jesus") or when His own family thought He was out of His mind in [Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus' Family's Concerns"). Finally, the verse illustrates the **Nature of Opposition to Divine Truth**, showing how adversaries resort to character assassination and baseless accusations when confronted with claims they cannot refute or are unwilling to accept.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **many (Greek, _polýs'_):** This word signifies a large number or quantity, emphasizing that the opposition to Jesus was not isolated but represented a significant portion of the crowd. It highlights the widespread nature of the unbelief and rejection, indicating that Jesus' radical claims were profoundly unsettling to a considerable segment of the Jewish populace.
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** Derived from a word for a "dæmonic being," this term refers to a demon or an evil spirit. The accusation "He hath a devil" was a grave charge, implying that Jesus' power, teachings, and actions were not from God but were inspired by malevolent, supernatural forces. This was the ultimate slander, designed to utterly discredit Him as a prophet or messiah.
* **mad (Greek, _maínomai'_):** This verb means "to rave as a maniac" or "to be beside oneself." To call Jesus "mad" was to assert that His teachings were irrational, incoherent, and the product of a deranged mind. This accusation, coupled with demon possession, aimed to strip Jesus of all credibility, suggesting His words were not merely false but utterly nonsensical and dangerous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And many of them said":** This opening phrase immediately highlights the significant division among the listeners. "Many" indicates that a substantial portion of the crowd, not just a few isolated individuals, vocalized their strong negative reaction to Jesus' teaching. Their collective utterance underscores the widespread nature of the opposition and the deep offense taken by His claims.
* **"He hath a devil":** This is a direct and severe accusation. The listeners are not merely disagreeing with Jesus; they are attributing His words and actions to demonic influence. This charge was intended to delegitimize Jesus entirely, suggesting that His power and wisdom, which were undeniable, stemmed from evil rather than divine sources.
* **"and is mad":** Following the accusation of demon possession, this further charge asserts Jesus' mental instability. To be "mad" meant His teachings were irrational, nonsensical, and therefore unworthy of any serious consideration. This dual accusation—demon-possessed and insane—was a potent combination designed to completely undermine His authority and dismiss His message.
* **"why hear ye him?":** This rhetorical question serves as a direct challenge to anyone still listening to Jesus. It implies that to continue hearing Him would be illogical, dangerous, or even complicit in His perceived blasphemy or madness. It functions as an attempt to dissuade others from following Jesus, reinforcing the accusers' negative judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Characterization** is evident as the opponents of Jesus are portrayed through their harsh accusations, revealing their spiritual blindness and deep-seated animosity. Their words characterize them as resistant to divine truth and quick to resort to slander. **Rhetorical Question** ("why hear ye him?") is used not to seek information but to express strong disapproval and to persuade others to abandon Jesus, highlighting the accusers' incredulity and their desire to influence the crowd. The accusations themselves, "He hath a devil, and is mad," function as a form of **Hyperbole** and **Invective**, exaggerated and abusive language intended to discredit and dehumanize Jesus in the eyes of the public. This extreme language also creates a stark **Contrast** between the divine truth Jesus proclaims and the worldly, often malicious, rejection He receives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound rejection of Jesus in [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity") resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of humanity's resistance to divine truth and the Messiah. It illustrates that the light of God, when it enters a world steeped in darkness, often provokes hostility rather than immediate acceptance. This resistance is not merely intellectual but spiritual, rooted in an unwillingness to submit to God's authority and a preference for one's own understanding or established traditions over the radical claims of Christ. The accusations leveled against Jesus—demon possession and madness—are the ultimate attempts to dismiss divine truth as either malevolent or irrational, revealing the spiritual blindness that prevents recognition of God's work.

* [Matthew 10:25](/matthew/10-25 "Matthew 10:25 - Jesus' Warning to Disciples")
* [Acts 26:24](/acts/26-24 "Acts 26:24 - Festus Accuses Paul of Madness")
* [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Foolishness of the Cross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity") serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that the truth of God, especially as embodied in Jesus Christ, is inherently divisive. It compels a response, and that response is rarely neutral. For believers today, this verse offers profound insights into the nature of spiritual opposition and the importance of steadfast faith. When we articulate biblical truth, share the Gospel, or live counter-culturally in obedience to Christ, we should not be surprised if we encounter similar accusations of being irrational, deluded, or even malicious. The world, in its fallen state, often perceives divine wisdom as foolishness and spiritual power as demonic. This passage calls us to cultivate discernment, to not be swayed by popular opinion or dismissive labels, but to anchor our faith firmly in the unchanging Word of God. It encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, understanding that rejection of the Gospel is often rooted in spiritual blindness and an inherent antagonism towards God's truth, rather than purely intellectual disagreement. Our mission is to continue proclaiming Christ, even when met with hostility, trusting that the Spirit will open eyes and hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you see Jesus' message still provoking strong, polarized reactions in our world today?**
* **How do you respond when your faith or Christian values are dismissed as "mad" or "out of touch" by others?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the spiritual nature of opposition to the Gospel?**
* **How can we remain steadfast in proclaiming truth, even when facing misunderstanding or ridicule?**

### FAQ
**Why did some people call Jesus demon-possessed and mad?**

Answer: The accusations stemmed from a combination of factors. Primarily, Jesus' claims of divine authority and unity with God the Father ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father")) were perceived as blasphemous by many Jewish leaders and listeners, as they challenged their strict monotheistic understanding of God. Unable or unwilling to accept His divine identity, they resorted to the most severe forms of denunciation: attributing His power to demonic influence ("he hath a devil") and dismissing His teachings as irrational ("is mad"). This was a common tactic to discredit individuals whose teachings were seen as threatening or unorthodox, as seen elsewhere when Jesus' own family thought He was out of His mind ([Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus' Family's Concerns")) or when He was accused of having a demon in [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Accusations Against Jesus"). It was a way to avoid engaging with the truth of His claims.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity"), though seemingly a moment of intense rejection, paradoxically points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of prophecy and the very nature of His redemptive mission. The accusations of demon possession and madness, far from disproving Jesus' claims, highlight the profound spiritual conflict inherent in His coming. Just as the prophets before Him were rejected and persecuted ([Matthew 5:12](/matthew/5-12 "Matthew 5:12 - Persecution of Prophets")), Jesus' reception by "many" confirmed the world's inherent hostility towards divine light. His willingness to endure such slander and misunderstanding, even from those He came to save, foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The "Good Shepherd" who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")) would indeed be reviled and misunderstood, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant, "He was despised and rejected of men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")). This rejection, culminating in His crucifixion, was not a failure but the very means by which He would triumph over the powers of darkness and madness, securing salvation for all who believe, proving that the "foolishness of God is wiser than men" ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Wisdom of God")). His endurance of such baseless accusations validates His identity as the Lamb of God who bears the world's sin, including its spiritual blindness and hostility.

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.

Cross-References

John 7:20

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

Mark 3:21

And when his friends heard [of it], they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

John 8:47

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.

John 8:48

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

John 8:52

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Acts 18:14

And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

Acts 18:15

But if it be a question of words and names, and [of] your law, look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of such [matters].