John 7:10

KJV

But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G5613} his {G846} brethren {G80} were gone up {G305}, then {G5119} went {G305} he {G846} also {G2532} up {G305} unto {G1519} the feast {G1859}, not {G3756} openly {G5320}, but {G235} as it were {G5613} in {G1722} secret {G2927}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after his brothers had gone up to the festival, he too went up, not publicly but in secret.

Berean Standard Bible

But after His brothers had gone up to the feast, He also went—not publicly, but in secret.

American Standard Version

But when his brethren were gone up unto the feast, then went he also up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:10 describes Jesus' deliberate and discreet journey to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, contrasting his actions with those of his brothers who had gone up openly. This verse highlights Jesus' intentional control over the timing and manner of his public appearances, demonstrating his submission to divine orchestration rather than human expectations or the pursuit of worldly recognition. His secret ascent underscores a recurring theme in John's Gospel concerning Jesus' "hour" and his strategic navigation of growing opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical phase of Jesus' ministry, preceding his final journey to Jerusalem for the crucifixion. Immediately prior, in [John 7:1-9](/john/7-1-9 "John 7:1-9 - Jesus' Brothers Urge Him to Go to the Feast"), Jesus' brothers urge him to go to the Feast of Tabernacles in Judea publicly to display his works and gain recognition, explicitly stating their unbelief in him ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - Jesus' Brothers' Unbelief")). Jesus initially refuses, stating that his "time has not yet come" ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Timing")). He remains in Galilee while they depart. [John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus Goes to the Feast in Secret") then reveals that Jesus *does* go, but not in the manner his brothers suggested, setting the stage for his eventual public teaching and the escalating conflict with Jewish authorities later in [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Passover and Pentecost) that required all Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")). It was a joyous harvest festival, commemorating God's provision for Israel during their wilderness wanderings and looking forward to the messianic age ([Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33-43 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - Regulations for the Feast of Tabernacles")). Jerusalem would have been bustling with pilgrims, making public travel and recognition easy. Jesus' decision to travel "in secret" would have been highly unusual for a pilgrim attending such a prominent public festival, especially for someone with a growing reputation. This choice speaks to his strategic awareness of the political and religious climate, where his public appearance could easily incite either popular messianic fervor or hostile opposition.

* **Key Themes:** [John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus' Discreet Journey") contributes significantly to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Timing and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that Jesus operates strictly according to his Father's preordained timetable, not human expectations or urgings. His repeated assertion that "My time has not yet come" ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Timing is Not Yet")) and his later declaration that "no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come" ([John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - No One Seizes Jesus")) demonstrate his control over the revelation of his identity and purpose, avoiding premature confrontation or attempts to force his hand. Secondly, the verse highlights Jesus' **Prudence and Wisdom**. His secret ascent was a strategic move to prevent immediate arrest or a premature declaration of his kingship by zealous crowds, which could have derailed his ultimate mission to the cross ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from the Crowd")). Finally, it emphasizes the **Contrast with Worldly Ambition**, sharply distinguishing Jesus' divine strategy from his brothers' desire for public recognition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gone up (Greek, _anabaínō'_):** From G305, meaning "to go up (literally or figuratively)." This word is used twice in [John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus Goes to the Feast in Secret"), first for the brethren and then for Jesus. It literally signifies the uphill journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, which sits at a higher elevation. Figuratively, it can also imply an ascent in status or prominence, which Jesus deliberately avoids in this context.
* **feast (Greek, _heortḗ'_):** From G1859, meaning "a festival" or "holyday." This refers specifically to the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant annual pilgrimage festival. The use of this word emphasizes the public and religious nature of the event, making Jesus' discreet arrival all the more striking.
* **secret (Greek, _kryptós'_):** From G2927, meaning "concealed" or "private." This word is central to the verse, directly contrasting with "openly" (G5320, _phanerōs'_). It describes Jesus' deliberate, discreet manner of travel, indicating an intentional choice to avoid public fanfare and manage the timing and nature of his public appearance at the feast. This is not secrecy to deceive, but rather to control the unfolding of divine events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when his brethren were gone up":** This clause establishes the sequence of events, highlighting Jesus' deliberate delay. His brothers, who did not believe in him ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - Jesus' Brothers' Unbelief")), departed for the feast first, likely in the customary public manner of pilgrims.
* **"then went he also up unto the feast":** This confirms that Jesus did indeed go to the Feast of Tabernacles, fulfilling the religious obligation, but on his own terms and timetable, distinct from his family's departure. The repetition of "went up" (from G305, _anabaínō'_) underscores the physical journey to Jerusalem.
* **"not openly, but as it were in secret.":** This is the pivotal contrast of the verse. "Not openly" (G3756 _ou_ + G5320 _phanerōs'_) signifies a deliberate avoidance of public display or announcement. "But as it were in secret" (G235 _allá_ + G5613 _hōs_ + G1722 _en_ + G2927 _kryptós'_) emphasizes his discreet and private manner of travel. This was a strategic choice to manage the timing and nature of his public appearance, preventing premature confrontation with authorities or a misunderstanding of his messianic mission by zealous crowds.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus' Discreet Journey") is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**. The verse explicitly contrasts Jesus' method of travel ("not openly, but as it were in secret") with the expected public pilgrimage of his brothers. This stark opposition highlights Jesus' unique approach to his ministry and his deliberate control over his public revelation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** present: those who do not believe in Jesus (his brothers) go publicly, seeking recognition, while the true Messiah, who is the light of the world, chooses to arrive discreetly. This subtle irony underscores the spiritual blindness of those who seek worldly glory versus the humble, divinely orchestrated path of Christ. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the escalating tension and opposition Jesus will face, necessitating his strategic movements and the careful timing of his "hour."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus' Discreet Journey") profoundly illustrates the theological concept of divine sovereignty over human affairs, particularly as it pertains to the timing and execution of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' actions are not dictated by human pressure or the desire for immediate acclaim, but by the perfect will of his Father. His "secret" arrival at the feast underscores his humility and his rejection of a worldly, politically charged messiahship, emphasizing that his kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). This deliberate discretion serves to protect his mission until the divinely appointed "hour" for his ultimate sacrifice. It teaches us that true wisdom often involves restraint and submission to God's timing, rather than rushing into public display or seeking self-promotion.

* [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Timing is Not Yet"): Jesus tells his brothers, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here." This directly precedes and explains his discreet travel in [John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus Goes to the Feast in Secret").
* [John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - No One Seizes Jesus"): "He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come." This further emphasizes the divine control over Jesus' life and the timing of his arrest.
* [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from the Crowd"): "Therefore when Jesus perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone." This earlier event demonstrates Jesus' consistent pattern of avoiding premature or politically motivated declarations of his kingship.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus' Discreet Journey") offers profound lessons for believers navigating their own spiritual journeys and public witness. Jesus' example teaches us the critical importance of discerning and submitting to God's perfect timing in our lives, rather than yielding to external pressures, human expectations, or our own impatient desires for immediate results or recognition. There are seasons for public proclamation and seasons for quiet preparation, strategic withdrawal, or discreet action. Wisdom, as demonstrated by Christ, involves understanding when to step forward openly and when to operate with more privacy, always prioritizing God's will and the advancement of His kingdom over personal glory or worldly acclaim. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations: are we seeking visibility and human approval, or are we faithfully executing God's purposes, trusting Him with the outcome and the timing of His revelation in and through our lives?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when my plans or desires conflict with what seems to be God's timing?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek "open" recognition rather than discreetly serving God's purposes?**
* **What does it look like to exercise wisdom and discernment in knowing when to act publicly versus privately in my faith journey?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose to go to the Feast of Tabernacles "in secret" instead of openly, like his brothers?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to go "not openly, but as it were in secret" was a deliberate and strategic choice, deeply rooted in his divine mission and timing. Firstly, it allowed him to control the timing and nature of his public revelation at the feast, preventing premature attempts by zealous crowds to force him into a political kingship ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from the Crowd")). Secondly, it aligned with his Father's divine timetable, as his "hour" for ultimate sacrifice had not yet come ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Timing is Not Yet"), [John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - No One Seizes Jesus")). By avoiding a grand entrance, Jesus also sidestepped immediate confrontation with the Jewish authorities, who were already seeking to kill him ([John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea")). His discreet arrival allowed him to teach and engage with the people on his own terms, revealing his identity progressively rather than through a single, overwhelming display.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' journey to the Feast of Tabernacles, described as "not openly, but as it were in secret," is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment that points to the very nature of his redemptive work. His deliberate humility and strategic hiddenness foreshadow the ultimate self-emptying and obedience that would characterize his entire earthly ministry and culminate in his passion. Unlike worldly kings who seek public acclamation, Jesus, the true King, came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His discreet arrival at the feast, followed by his eventual public teaching and confrontation, sets the stage for the revelation of his true identity as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This hiddenness and subsequent revelation mirror the mystery of the gospel itself, which was "hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to his saints" ([Colossians 1:26](/colossians/1-26 "Colossians 1:26 - The Mystery Revealed")). Jesus' actions in [John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus Goes to the Feast in Secret") demonstrate his perfect submission to the Father's will and timing, even when it meant foregoing immediate glory or popular acclaim, ultimately leading to the "hour" when he would be glorified through his death and resurrection ([John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Hour Has Come"), [John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus Prays for His Glorification")).

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

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Amos 5:13

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.

Isaiah 42:2

He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

Isaiah 42:3

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

John 7:3

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

John 7:5

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

Matthew 3:15

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.