John 7:12

KJV

And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there was {G2258} much {G4183} murmuring {G1112} among {G1722} the people {G3793} concerning {G4012} him {G846}: for some {G3303} said {G3004},{G3754} He is {G2076} a good man {G18}: others {G1161}{G243} said {G3004}, Nay {G3756}; but {G235} he deceiveth {G4105} the people {G3793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And among the crowds there was much whispering about him. Some said, “He’s a good man”; but others said, “No, he is deceiving the masses.”

Berean Standard Bible

Many in the crowds were whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” But others replied, “No, He deceives the people.”

American Standard Version

And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, He is a good man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:12 captures the intense division and clandestine debate surrounding Jesus' identity during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Amidst a climate of fear regarding the Jewish authorities, the crowds privately whispered and grumbled about Him, with some affirming His moral uprightness as "a good man," while others vehemently accused Him of being a deceptive charlatan who misled the people. This verse vividly illustrates the polarized public opinion concerning Jesus, highlighting the initial responses of both admiration and severe accusation that characterized His ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 7 opens with Jesus in Galilee, deliberately avoiding Judea because the Jewish leaders sought to kill Him. As the Feast of Tabernacles approaches, His brothers urge Him to go to Judea to display His works publicly, implying a lack of full faith in His divine mission. Jesus initially declines, stating His time has not yet come, but later goes up to the feast secretly [John 7:1-10](/john/7-1-10 "John 7:1-10 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles"). Upon His arrival, the narrative immediately shifts to the public's reaction. Verse 11 notes that the Jews were "seeking him," indicating a heightened tension. John 7:12 then reveals the immediate consequence of His presence: a widespread, yet hushed, discussion among the throngs of pilgrims, setting the stage for Jesus' public teaching and the escalating conflict with the religious authorities later in the chapter [John 7:14-36](/john/7-14-36 "John 7:14-36 - Jesus Teaches at the Feast").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals, requiring all Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem. It was a joyous, week-long harvest festival commemorating God's provision during the wilderness wanderings and looking forward to the messianic age. Jerusalem would have been overflowing with pilgrims from all over the Jewish world, creating a vibrant, bustling, and often politically charged atmosphere. The "murmuring" mentioned in the text was likely due to the pervasive fear of the Jewish authorities (Sanhedrin), who had already demonstrated hostility towards Jesus and sought to suppress any pro-Jesus sentiment [John 7:13](/john/7-13 "John 7:13 - Fear of the Jews"). Discussions about a controversial figure like Jesus would naturally occur in hushed tones to avoid drawing unwanted attention or reprisal.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in [John 7:12](/john/7-12 "John 7:12 - Divided Opinions About Jesus") is the **division over Jesus' identity**, a recurring motif throughout John's Gospel. The contrasting opinions—some seeing Him as "a good man" and others as one who "deceiveth the people"—underscore the polarized responses to Jesus' claims and actions. This highlights the theme of **public opinion versus divine truth**, where popular perception, often based on incomplete information or personal bias, stands in stark contrast to the true nature and mission of Christ. Furthermore, this verse introduces the **nature of belief and unbelief**, illustrating how individuals are confronted with Jesus and must make a choice, either accepting Him (even if partially) or rejecting Him based on suspicion and fear, a tension that permeates the entire Gospel narrative and culminates in the ultimate choice of faith or rejection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **murmuring (Greek, _gongysmós'_):** This term denotes a low, indistinct sound, a grumbling, whispering, or secret complaint. It suggests that these discussions were not open declarations but rather hushed, clandestine conversations, likely due to the aforementioned fear of the Jewish leaders. The word implies a deep-seated discontent or disagreement that is not openly expressed.
* **good (Greek, _agathós'_):** This word signifies moral excellence, intrinsic goodness, or benefit. When some people called Jesus "a good man," they were acknowledging His moral integrity, His benevolent actions, and perhaps His compelling teachings, without necessarily comprehending or accepting His divine claims. It represents a positive, yet potentially superficial, assessment of His character.
* **deceiveth (Greek, _planáō'_):** This verb means to cause to roam, to go astray, to err, or to seduce. It implies leading someone away from truth or safety, actively misleading them. The accusation that Jesus "deceiveth the people" was a severe charge, implying He was a false prophet or charlatan, deliberately deluding the masses for His own purposes, a charge that could carry severe consequences under Jewish law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the atmosphere of hushed, widespread discussion and underlying tension. The word "murmuring" (gongysmos) suggests a low, continuous sound of discontent or secret debate, indicating that these conversations were not open declarations but rather whispered exchanges, likely due to fear of the authorities. The sheer "much" (polys) of it emphasizes the pervasive nature of this internal debate within the crowds gathered for the feast.
* **"for some said, He is a good man:"** This part of the verse reveals the first, more positive, albeit limited, assessment of Jesus. Those who held this view likely recognized His moral purity, His compassionate actions, and perhaps the wisdom of His teachings. However, calling Him merely "a good man" falls short of acknowledging His divine nature or messianic claims, representing an incomplete understanding or a cautious admiration.
* **"others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people."** This segment presents the stark counter-argument and the deeply negative assessment. The emphatic "Nay" (ou) signifies a strong rejection of the "good man" assertion. The accusation that He "deceiveth the people" (planaō) is a grave charge, implying that Jesus was a false prophet, deliberately misleading the masses and leading them astray from true doctrine or God's path. This accusation reveals deep suspicion, hostility, and a complete rejection of His claims, viewing Him as a dangerous charlatan.

#### Literary Devices
John 7:12 effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the polarized opinions surrounding Jesus. The immediate juxtaposition of "a good man" with "he deceiveth the people" creates a sharp dichotomy, underscoring the profound division among the crowds. This contrast is further amplified by the underlying **Irony** of the situation: the very person who is "the way, the truth, and the life" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") is accused of deception. The "much murmuring" itself functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the escalating conflict and opposition Jesus would face, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The use of **Synecdoche** is also present, where "the people" represents a segment of humanity grappling with the truth of Christ, their divided opinions reflecting the broader human response to divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:12 profoundly illustrates the inherent human struggle to comprehend and respond to divine truth, particularly when it challenges preconceived notions or established authorities. The division among the people regarding Jesus' identity reflects a fundamental theological tension: whether to accept Him as He truly is—the Son of God and Messiah—or to reject Him based on human reasoning, fear, or misunderstanding. This verse underscores that Jesus' presence inevitably forces a decision, revealing the spiritual state of those confronted by Him. It highlights the reality that even His undeniable goodness and powerful works were not enough to prevent some from accusing Him of the most serious spiritual offense: deception. This theological reality continues to play out in every generation, as individuals must personally grapple with who Jesus is and what His claims mean for their lives.

* [John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Among the Pharisees") - After healing the man born blind, the Pharisees were divided, with some saying Jesus was not from God because He broke the Sabbath, while others questioned how a sinner could perform such signs.
* [John 10:19](/john/10-19 "John 10:19 - Division Among the Jews") - Following Jesus' discourse on the Good Shepherd, a division again arose among the Jews because of His words, with some claiming He was demon-possessed and others defending His sanity and works.
* [Matthew 27:63](/matthew/27-63 "Matthew 27:63 - Accusation of Deception After Crucifixion") - After Jesus' crucifixion, the chief priests and Pharisees remembered Jesus' claim to rise after three days and accused Him of being a "deceiver" (πλάνος, _planos_, a related term to planaō), requesting a guard for His tomb to prevent His disciples from stealing His body and fabricating a resurrection.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 7:12 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary society and individual faith. Just as the crowds in Jerusalem were divided, so too are opinions about Jesus Christ today. Some acknowledge Him as a profound moral teacher, a historical figure of immense influence, or even a good man, much like the initial assessment in the verse. Yet, others, perhaps swayed by secularism, skepticism, or alternative worldviews, dismiss His claims entirely, viewing His followers as deluded or His teachings as misleading. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial assessments or mere public opinion and to engage deeply with the person of Jesus. It calls for an honest, personal examination of His claims, His life, His teachings, and the overwhelming evidence of His resurrection. Our response to Jesus determines not only our understanding of truth but also our eternal destiny. It prompts us to ask: Is Jesus merely "a good man" to me, or is He the divine Son of God who reveals the very nature of truth?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the divided opinions about Jesus in John 7:12 reflect the diverse views of Jesus in our world today?**
* **What are some common reasons people might call Jesus "a good man" without fully embracing His divine identity?**
* **What does it mean to be "deceived" by someone, and why was this such a serious accusation against Jesus?**
* **In what ways might fear of societal or cultural disapproval prevent people from openly acknowledging or discussing their faith in Jesus?**
* **How can we move beyond fragmented public opinion to a deeper, personal understanding and commitment to Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why were the people "murmuring" instead of openly debating about Jesus?**

Answer: The "murmuring" (Greek, _gongysmós_) indicates hushed, private, and often discontented whispering rather than open, public debate. This was primarily due to the prevailing fear of the Jewish authorities, specifically the Sanhedrin, who had already demonstrated hostility towards Jesus and sought to suppress any pro-Jesus sentiment. As [John 7:13](/john/7-13 "John 7:13 - Fear of the Jews") explicitly states, "Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews." Pilgrims in Jerusalem would have been acutely aware of the power and influence of these leaders, and speaking openly in favor of a controversial figure like Jesus could lead to social ostracism, religious condemnation, or even physical harm. Therefore, discussions about Him were relegated to clandestine whispers among trusted circles.

**What did it mean to call Jesus "a good man" in this context?**

Answer: To call Jesus "a good man" (Greek, _agathós_) in this context was an acknowledgment of His moral integrity, His benevolent actions, and perhaps the compelling nature of His teachings. Many people witnessed His miracles, heard His profound wisdom, and observed His sinless life. This assessment suggests an admiration for His character and deeds. However, it also implies a limited understanding or acceptance of His true identity. While "good" is a positive attribute, it falls short of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, or the divine Lord. It's a human assessment of His ethical standing, not a theological confession of His unique divine nature, as revealed in passages like [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh") or [John 20:28](/john/20-28 "John 20:28 - Thomas's Confession").

**Why was the accusation "he deceiveth the people" so serious?**

Answer: The accusation that Jesus "deceiveth the people" (Greek, _planáō_) was an extremely grave charge in Jewish society. It implied that Jesus was a false prophet, deliberately leading people astray from God's truth and commandments. According to Old Testament law, a false prophet was to be put to death [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Punishment for False Prophets"). This accusation was not merely a difference of opinion; it was a charge that called into question Jesus' legitimacy, His divine authority, and the very source of His power. It suggested He was a charlatan, manipulating the masses for His own nefarious purposes, thereby undermining the religious and social order. This charge foreshadows the ultimate accusation leveled against Him by the religious authorities, leading to His trial and crucifixion, as seen in [Matthew 27:63](/matthew/27-63 "Matthew 27:63 - Accusation of Deception After Crucifixion") where they refer to Him as "that deceiver."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:12, with its stark division over Jesus' identity, powerfully foreshadows the ongoing human response to Christ throughout history, ultimately finding its fulfillment in the cross and resurrection. The "murmuring" and contrasting opinions—some seeing Him as "a good man," others as a deceiver—highlight humanity's blindness to the true nature of God's incarnate Son. Jesus, the very embodiment of truth and goodness, who declared "I am the way, the truth, and the life" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), was paradoxically accused of deception. This tension culminates in His crucifixion, where the world's ultimate rejection of truth is displayed, yet simultaneously, God's ultimate act of love and salvation is accomplished. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus proves Himself to be neither merely a good man nor a deceiver, but the divine Son of God, who came "to give his life a ransom for many" [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). The fulfillment lies in the New Testament revelation that while many rejected Him, those who believe in His name receive the power to become children of God [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God"), thereby transcending the limited and divided human opinions to embrace the saving truth of His messianic identity and redemptive work. His resurrection, witnessed by many [1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - Christ's Resurrection Appearances"), definitively silences the accusation of deception and validates His claim as Lord and Christ [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ").

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

John 9:16

Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

John 7:40

Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

John 7:43

So there was a division among the people because of him.

John 7:32

The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

John 7:47

Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

Luke 18:19

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none [is] good, save one, [that is], God.

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.