John 7:21

Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, I have done {G4160} one {G1520} work {G2041}, and {G2532} ye {G2296} all {G3956} marvel {G2296}.

Yeshua answered them, “I did one thing; and because of this, all of you are amazed.

Jesus answered them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed.

Jesus answered and said unto them, I did one work, and ye all marvel because thereof.

In John 7:21, Jesus confronts His critics in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment where Jesus highlights the hypocrisy and misunderstanding of the Jewish leaders regarding His divine works and authority.

Context

Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including many religious leaders, who are divided over His identity and teachings. The "one work" Jesus refers to is the healing of the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda, which occurred on the Sabbath, as detailed in John chapter 5. This miraculous healing, though an act of mercy, ignited fierce opposition and persecution from the Jewish authorities because they believed it violated their interpretation of the Sabbath law. Their "marvel" was not one of admiration, but rather astonishment mixed with indignation and a desire to condemn Him, even to the point of seeking His life (John 5:18).

Key Themes

  • Sabbath Authority: Jesus implicitly asserts His authority over the Sabbath, demonstrating that acts of mercy and healing are consistent with God's will, even on the day of rest. This contrasts sharply with the rigid, legalistic interpretations of the religious leaders.
  • Hypocrisy Unveiled: Jesus exposes the inconsistency of His accusers. They "marvel" (with disapproval) at His single act of healing on the Sabbath, yet they themselves perform circumcision on the Sabbath without question (John 7:22-23). This highlights their selective application of the law based on prejudice against Jesus.
  • Divine Works as Proof: Jesus' works, though controversial to some, were intended to be signs pointing to His divine origin and mission. The fact that they "marvel" at one such work underscores their blindness to the greater truth of who He is.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "marvel" is thaumazō (θαυμάζω), which means to wonder, be astonished, or admire. In this context, it carries a nuanced meaning of astonishment mixed with disapproval or indignation, rather than genuine awe or belief. It highlights their inability to reconcile Jesus' actions with their preconceived notions and legalistic framework.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers today to examine their own hearts for hypocrisy and legalism. Are we quick to condemn others based on rigid interpretations, while overlooking our own inconsistencies or the true spirit of God's law, which often prioritizes love and mercy? Jesus' actions remind us that compassion and doing good are always in season, and true faith recognizes God's hand at work, even when it challenges our traditions or comfortable interpretations.

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 7:23

    If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

  • John 5:2

    Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [market] a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

  • John 5:11

    He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

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