John 10:23

KJV

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} walked {G4043} in {G1722} the temple {G2411} in {G1722} Solomon's {G4672} porch {G4745}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo’s Colonnade.

Berean Standard Bible

and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade.

American Standard Version

it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Precisely situates Jesus within the bustling precincts of the Jerusalem Temple, specifically in Solomon's Porch, during the winter season and the Feast of Dedication. This seemingly simple detail sets the stage for a pivotal and confrontational discourse where Jesus' identity and relationship with God the Father are directly challenged, highlighting His public presence and willingness to engage with both followers and adversaries in a prominent religious setting.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in [John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Feast of Dedication"). The mention of winter explains why Jesus might be seeking shelter in a covered colonnade like Solomon's Porch. The setting in the Temple is crucial, as it is here that "the Jews" (likely referring to the religious authorities or a hostile crowd) gather around Jesus and directly challenge Him, asking, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly" ([John 10:24](/john/10-24 "John 10:24 - The Jews Confront Jesus")). This question, prompted by His presence in a public teaching space, initiates one of John's most profound Christological discourses concerning Jesus' divine sonship, His unity with the Father, and His identity as the Good Shepherd, a theme developed earlier in [John 10:1-21](/john/10-1-21 "John 10:1-21 - Jesus the Good Shepherd").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Porch (or Portico) was a large, covered colonnade on the eastern side of the outer court of the Jerusalem Temple, part of Herod the Great's extensive rebuilding project. Though named after King Solomon's original temple, the structure Jesus walked in was a Herodian addition, providing shelter from the elements and a common gathering place for public discourse, teaching, and commerce. The reference to the "Feast of Dedication" ([John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - The Feast of Dedication")) is significant. This feast, known today as Hanukkah, commemorated the rededication of the Temple in 164 BC by Judas Maccabeus after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It was a celebration of God's faithfulness and the restoration of true worship, making Jesus' presence and His subsequent claims about His identity and relationship with the Father particularly poignant within this context of national and religious identity.
* **Key Themes:** [John 10:23](/john/10-23 "John 10:23 - Jesus in Solomon's Porch") contributes to several significant themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Public Presence and Accessibility**. Unlike some instances where Jesus withdraws, here He is openly present in a prominent public area of the Temple, demonstrating His willingness to engage with the crowds and confront opposition. Secondly, it underscores the **Temple as a Central Arena for Divine Revelation and Conflict**. The Temple, the heart of Jewish worship, becomes the setting for Jesus' most profound claims about His divine nature and His unity with the Father, often leading to intense theological disputes, as seen in [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Attempt to Stone Jesus") and [John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jewish Leaders Seek to Kill Jesus"). Finally, this setting foreshadows the **Continuity of Sacred Space in Early Christianity**. Solomon's Porch would later become a significant gathering and teaching place for the early apostles, as documented in [Acts 3:11](/acts/3-11 "Acts 3:11 - Peter and John in Solomon's Porch") and [Acts 5:12](/acts/5-12 "Acts 5:12 - Apostles Teaching in Solomon's Porch"), linking Jesus' ministry directly to the nascent church's public witness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **walked (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** G4043, from _perí_ (around) and _patéō_ (to tread); literally "to tread all around." This word implies not merely a casual stroll but a deliberate, continuous movement, suggesting that Jesus was lingering, moving about, or perhaps even teaching as He walked. It denotes an active presence, indicating that Jesus was fully engaged with His surroundings and the people within this public space, setting the stage for the imminent confrontation. Figuratively, it can also mean "to live" or "to deport oneself," hinting at Jesus' consistent public ministry.
* **temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** G2411, neuter of _hierós_ (sacred). This term refers to the entire sacred precinct or complex of the Temple in Jerusalem, including its outer courts, colonnades, and various structures, as opposed to _naós_ (G3485), which denotes the central sanctuary itself (the Holy Place and Holy of Holies). Jesus' presence in the _hierón_ signifies His public accessibility within the broader religious institution, indicating He was in a common area where people gathered, not in the restricted inner sanctuary.
* **porch (Greek, _stoá'_):** G4745, probably from _hístēmi_ (to stand). This refers to a colonnade or interior piazza, a covered walkway supported by columns. Solomon's Porch was a specific, well-known architectural feature of the Temple complex. Its designation highlights the specific location providing shelter and a public gathering spot, emphasizing the open and public nature of Jesus' presence and the discourse that followed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus walked":** This opening phrase establishes Jesus' active presence and movement within the Temple grounds. The use of "walked" (_peripatéō_) suggests a deliberate and perhaps unhurried movement, indicating He was not merely passing through but was intentionally present in this public space, ready to engage. This active posture sets the scene for the subsequent interaction, portraying Jesus as accessible and available for encounter.
* **"in the temple":** This specifies the broader location as the Jerusalem Temple complex (_hierón_), the spiritual and cultural heart of Jewish life. Jesus' presence here underscores His engagement with the central institutions of Judaism and His rightful place within the sacred space, even as He would soon challenge and fulfill its very purpose. It signifies a public setting, where many people would be present, especially during a feast.
* **"in Solomon's porch":** This provides the precise, identifiable location within the Temple complex. Solomon's Porch was a well-known, covered colonnade on the eastern side of the outer court, offering shelter from the elements, particularly in winter, and serving as a common gathering place for teaching, discussion, and public assembly. This specific detail grounds the narrative in a real, historical setting, emphasizing the public and observable nature of Jesus' ministry and the events that immediately follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Setting** and **Foreshadowing**. The detailed description of Jesus "walking in the temple in Solomon's porch" establishes a precise and historically verifiable **Setting**, grounding the narrative in a tangible reality. This specific location, a public and often contentious area of the Temple, immediately sets a tone of public engagement and potential confrontation. The very act of Jesus being present in such a prominent, accessible space **Foreshadows** the intense theological discourse and direct challenge to His identity that immediately follows in [John 10:24-39](/john/10-24-39 "John 10:24-39 - Jesus' Discourse on His Divine Sonship"). The mention of "winter" ([John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Feast of Dedication")) adds a realistic detail to the setting, explaining the need for shelter and the choice of the covered porch.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:23, while a seemingly simple geographical detail, carries profound theological weight. Jesus' deliberate presence in the Temple, particularly in a public and accessible area like Solomon's Porch, underscores His claim as the rightful heir and fulfillment of all that the Temple represented. It signifies His divine authority to teach and act within God's sacred dwelling, even as He is the ultimate revelation of God's presence. His willingness to be in such a prominent place, especially during the Feast of Dedication (commemorating the Temple's rededication), highlights His challenge to the existing religious order and His assertion of being "greater than the temple" ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Something Greater Than the Temple")). This public engagement also prefigures the apostolic ministry, as the early church would later use this very location for teaching and healing, demonstrating continuity in the divine mission.

* [Acts 3:11](/acts/3-11 "Acts 3:11 - Peter and John in Solomon's Porch")
* [Acts 5:12](/acts/5-12 "Acts 5:12 - Apostles Teaching in Solomon's Porch")
* [John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - Jesus Teaching in the Temple Treasury")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' intentional presence in a public, accessible, and often contentious space like Solomon's Porch offers a powerful model for believers today. He did not shy away from the public square or retreat into private circles, but actively engaged with people where they gathered, even when facing opposition and skepticism. This challenges us to consider our own willingness to be "present" in the world, not just within the confines of our faith communities, but in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and public discourse. It calls us to embody the truth of the Gospel with courage and grace, being accessible to those who are seeking, questioning, or even hostile. Furthermore, Jesus' calm demeanor amidst the impending confrontation reminds us that our confidence in Christ allows us to stand firm, speak truth, and live out our faith even in challenging environments, knowing that His presence empowers our witness and His truth will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where are the "Solomon's Porches" in my life or community where I am called to be present and engage, even if it's uncomfortable?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to face confrontation in a public setting inspire my own courage to share my faith or stand for truth?**
* **In what ways can I make myself more accessible to those who are seeking or questioning spiritual truths, following Jesus' example?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' public ministry in the Temple deepen my appreciation for His authority and His fulfillment of God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**What was Solomon's Porch, and why was it significant?**

Answer: Solomon's Porch, or Portico, was a large, covered colonnade on the eastern side of the outer court of the Jerusalem Temple complex. Although named after King Solomon's original temple, the structure Jesus walked in was part of Herod the Great's massive renovation. It was significant because it provided shelter from the elements, especially in winter, and served as a common public gathering place for teaching, discussion, and commerce. Its prominence made it an ideal location for religious teachers to address crowds, and it would later become an important meeting place for the early Christian community, as recorded in [Acts 3:11](/acts/3-11 "Acts 3:11 - Peter and John in Solomon's Porch") and [Acts 5:12](/acts/5-12 "Acts 5:12 - Apostles Teaching in Solomon's Porch").

**Why was Jesus in the Temple during the Feast of Dedication?**

Answer: Jesus was in the Temple during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) because it was a significant Jewish festival that drew many people to Jerusalem. This feast commemorated the rededication of the Temple in 164 BC after its desecration, a celebration of God's faithfulness and the restoration of true worship. Jesus' presence in the Temple during such a feast highlighted His engagement with Jewish religious life and provided a natural setting for Him to teach and interact with the crowds. His subsequent discourse in [John 10:25-39](/john/10-25-39 "John 10:25-39 - Jesus' Claims of Divine Sonship") directly addresses His identity and relationship with the Father, making His presence at a feast celebrating the Temple's sanctity particularly poignant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' presence in Solomon's Porch within the Jerusalem Temple is a powerful Christ-centered fulfillment, demonstrating His ultimate authority and His role as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The physical Temple, with its courts and porches, was a shadow of the reality found in Christ. While the Temple served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, Jesus Himself is the ultimate revelation of God, the One in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). His walking in the Temple, particularly during a feast celebrating its rededication, subtly asserts His rightful claim over it, foreshadowing His declaration that He could destroy and rebuild the Temple in three days, referring to "the temple of his body" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). Moreover, His public presence in this sacred space, where the law was taught and sacrifices were offered, emphasizes His role as the fulfillment of the Law and the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus opens a "new and living way" into the true Holy of Holies, allowing believers to draw near to God not through a physical temple, but through His own flesh ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Flesh")). Thus, His walk in Solomon's Porch is a glimpse of the One who is "greater than the temple" ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Something Greater Than the Temple")), the very embodiment of God's presence and the means of our reconciliation.

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

Acts 5:12

¶ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

Acts 3:11

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.