John 7:12

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.

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}.

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.”

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

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.

Context of John 7:12

John 7:12 finds Jesus in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant pilgrimage festival. While Jesus' brothers urged Him to go publicly, He initially went up to the feast secretly (John 7:10). This verse reveals the atmosphere surrounding Him: a vibrant undercurrent of discussion and debate among the crowds. Despite the public fear of the Jewish authorities (John 7:13), people were intensely curious and divided in their private conversations about who He truly was.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Division Over Jesus' Identity: The most striking theme is the stark contrast in opinions about Jesus. Some saw Him as a morally upright individual ("a good man"), while others vehemently accused Him of being a charlatan ("he deceiveth the people"). This division foreshadows much of the conflict that would follow Jesus' ministry.
  • Public Opinion vs. Truth: The verse highlights how public perception can be fragmented and often far from the complete truth. People were forming opinions based on rumors, partial information, and their own biases, rather than a full understanding of who Jesus claimed to be.
  • The Nature of Belief: The differing views illustrate the two fundamental responses to Jesus: acceptance (even if incomplete) or rejection (often based on suspicion and fear). This tension over Jesus' true nature is a recurring motif throughout the Gospels.

Linguistic Insights

The word "murmuring" in the Greek is gongysmos (γογγυσμός). 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 accusation "deceiveth the people" uses the Greek word planaō (πλανάω), meaning to lead astray, to cause to wander, or to delude. This was a serious charge, implying that Jesus was a false teacher or prophet, actively misleading the masses.

Related Scriptures

  • This division over Jesus' identity is a recurring theme:
    • In John 9:16, after healing the man born blind, the Pharisees were divided.
    • In John 10:19, there was again a division among the Jews because of His words.
  • The accusation of deception was also leveled against Jesus by the chief priests and Pharisees after His crucifixion, as seen in Matthew 27:63, when they requested a guard for His tomb, fearing His disciples might steal His body and claim He had risen.

Practical Application and Reflection

John 7:12 remains highly relevant today. Just as in Jesus' time, there are still diverse and often conflicting opinions about who Jesus was and is. Some acknowledge Him as a great moral teacher or a historical figure ("a good man"), while others dismiss Him as a myth or even a deceiver. This verse reminds us that true understanding of Jesus' true identity requires more than public opinion or casual whispers. It calls for an honest examination of His claims, His life, His teachings, and His resurrection, leading to a personal decision about who He is to each individual.

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.

  • 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.

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