John 7:1

¶ After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

{G2532} After {G3326} these things {G5023} Jesus {G2424} walked {G4043} in {G1722} Galilee {G1056}: for {G1063} he would {G2309} not {G3756} walk {G4043} in {G1722} Jewry {G2449}, because {G3754} the Jews {G2453} sought {G2212} to kill {G615} him {G846}.

After this, Yeshua traveled around in the Galil, intentionally avoiding Y’hudah because the Judeans were out to kill him.

After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him.

And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him.

Commentary

John 7:1 opens a pivotal chapter in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for His journey to Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. This verse immediately highlights the escalating tension and danger surrounding Jesus' presence in Judea.

Context

Following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and the challenging "Bread of Life" discourse in John chapter 6, Jesus is now situated in Galilee. This northern region served as the primary base for much of His public ministry, offering a relative respite from the intense scrutiny of the religious authorities in Jerusalem. The phrase "After these things" acts as a transitional marker, indicating a period of time has passed since the previous events. The KJV term "Jewry" refers specifically to Judea, the southern region of Israel where Jerusalem, the religious and political capital, was located. Jesus' decision to avoid Jewry was not out of fear, but a strategic and divinely guided choice, as "the Jews sought to kill him." This deep-seated hostility had been building, notably after His healing on the Sabbath and claiming equality with God in John 5:18.

Key Themes

  • Divine Timing and Prudence: Jesus demonstrates a perfect understanding of God's appointed timetable for His life and ministry. He knew His "hour" for ultimate sacrifice had not yet come (John 8:20), and thus, He exercised wisdom in avoiding premature confrontation that would disrupt God's perfect plan.
  • Escalating Opposition: The verse underscores the persistent and growing animosity from the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem. Their intent to "kill him" signifies the grave danger Jesus faced and foreshadows the eventual crucifixion.
  • Jesus' Authority and Knowledge: Jesus was fully aware of the plots against Him. His actions were not reactive but proactive, guided by divine knowledge and purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "Jewry" is an older English word for Judea, simply indicating the geographical region. The Greek verb behind "sought" (ἐζήτουν - ezētoun) implies an active, continuous, and determined effort on the part of Jesus' opponents to apprehend and eliminate Him.

Practical Application

John 7:1 reminds believers that following Christ may involve facing opposition, just as Jesus did. It also teaches the importance of divine wisdom and timing in our own lives. While we are called to be bold in our faith, there are moments for strategic discernment or patience, trusting that God's plan will unfold in His perfect timing. Jesus' example shows that even in the face of grave threats, His mission remained paramount, and He navigated dangers with divine insight, not human recklessness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 5:16

    And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

  • John 5:18

    Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

  • John 4:3

    He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

  • Matthew 21:38

    But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

  • John 7:19

    Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

  • Matthew 10:23

    But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

  • Acts 10:38

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
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