¶ And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
And {G1161} it was {G1096} at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2414} the feast of the dedication {G1456}, and {G2532} it was {G2258} winter {G5494}.
Then came Hanukkah in Yerushalayim. It was winter,
At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter,
And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:
No cross-references found for this verse.
John 10:22 serves as an important transitional verse, setting the scene for a significant discourse by Jesus in Jerusalem. It provides crucial contextual details regarding time and place, allowing readers to understand the specific circumstances surrounding Jesus' subsequent teachings and claims.
Context
This verse immediately follows Jesus' extensive discourse on the Good Shepherd, where He contrasts Himself with false leaders and emphasizes His intimate relationship with His sheep. The setting shifts from a general location in Jerusalem to a specific time and event: "the feast of the dedication," which occurred in "winter." This precise dating grounds the narrative in the Jewish calendar and tradition, highlighting Jesus' consistent engagement with the religious life of His people.
Historical and Cultural Insights
The "feast of the dedication" is known today as Hanukkah (or Chanukah), the Festival of Lights. Its origins are found in the intertestamental period, specifically recounted in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees. This festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by Judah Maccabee in 164 BC, after its defilement by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Antiochus had desecrated the Temple by offering swine on the altar and forbidding Jewish religious practices, leading to the Maccabean Revolt. The successful revolt and subsequent purification and rededication of the Temple were celebrated annually. The mention of "winter" aligns perfectly, as Hanukkah typically falls in December (the Jewish month of Kislev), a colder time of year in Jerusalem.
Key Themes and Significance
Linguistic Nuances
The Greek word for "dedication" is enkainia (ἐγκαίνια), which means "renewal" or "inauguration." It specifically refers to a festival commemorating the rededication of a sanctuary. This term highlights the theme of renewal and purification that was central to Hanukkah's historical observance.
Practical Application
John 10:22 reminds us that God's plan unfolds within real historical and cultural contexts. Jesus engaged with the world as it was, participating in its traditions while simultaneously revealing deeper truths about Himself. For believers today, this verse encourages us to: