John 2:23

¶ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

Now {G1161} when {G5613} he was {G2258} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2414} at {G1722} the passover {G3957}, in {G1722} the feast {G1859} day, many {G4183} believed {G4100} in {G1519} his {G846} name {G3686}, when they saw {G2334} the miracles {G846}{G4592} which {G3739} he did {G4160}.

Now while Yeshua was in Yerushalayim at the Pesach festival, there were many people who “believed in his name” when they saw the miracles he performed.

While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name.

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.

Commentary on John 2:23

This verse marks a significant moment early in Jesus' public ministry, immediately following His first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:11) and His powerful act of cleansing the Temple.

Context

The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover feast, one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews. This would have drawn immense crowds from all over, providing a large audience for Jesus' actions. His presence at such a pivotal religious event underscores His identity as the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies related to the Passover lamb. The verse highlights that many "believed in his name" due to the "miracles which he did." This initial belief, however, is presented with a subtle nuance, as the following verses (John 2:24-25) clarify that Jesus Himself did not entrust Himself to them, knowing their hearts.

Key Themes

  • Belief Through Signs: The primary catalyst for belief mentioned here is the observation of Jesus' "miracles" (Greek: semeia, meaning 'signs'). John's Gospel frequently presents Jesus' works not merely as wonders, but as deliberate signs pointing to His divine nature and mission. This verse emphasizes that many were convinced by the tangible evidence of His power.
  • The Passover Setting: Jesus' active ministry beginning at Passover in Jerusalem is highly symbolic. The Passover commemorated God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, foreshadowing Jesus' ultimate role as the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
  • Nature of Early Belief: While many believed, John often distinguishes between superficial faith based solely on signs and a deeper, transformative faith. This verse sets up the discussion of true faith versus mere intellectual assent, which is further explored in Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus immediately after this passage.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "miracles" is semeia (σημεῖα), which literally means "signs." John deliberately uses this term throughout his Gospel to emphasize that Jesus' actions are not just acts of power, but are significant pointers to His identity as the Son of God. The phrase "believed in his name" (eis to onoma autou) indicates more than just believing about Him; it implies a trust and commitment into His very person and authority.

Practical Application

John 2:23 reminds us that God often uses observable evidence to draw people to Himself, whether through powerful works, changed lives, or the testimony of Scripture. However, true faith goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment of facts or wonders. It involves a personal trust and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are called to seek a faith that endures beyond initial signs, a faith rooted in understanding who Jesus is and His saving work, as exemplified in the later teachings of Christ (e.g., John 20:29, "blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed").

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 8:13

    They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

  • John 6:14

    Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

  • Ephesians 3:16

    That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

  • Ephesians 3:17

    That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

  • John 7:31

    And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this [man] hath done?

  • John 3:2

    The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

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