John 7:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 7:21, Jesus directly confronts the Jewish leaders and the crowd in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, challenging their incredulous and judgmental reaction to a single act of healing He performed on the Sabbath. His statement highlights the profound disconnect between His divine, merciful works and their legalistic interpretations, exposing their hypocrisy and the underlying hostility that fueled their "marvel"—a reaction born not of admiration, but of astonishment mixed with indignation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger discourse in [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles") where Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of significant religious pilgrimage and public discussion. The crowd is deeply divided over His identity, with some believing Him to be the Messiah and others dismissing Him as a deceiver. The immediate context of [John 7:21](/john/7-21 "John 7:21 - Jesus' Confrontation") is Jesus' response to the unspoken accusations and murmuring regarding His previous healing of a man on the Sabbath, detailed in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - The Healing at Bethesda"). The leaders' desire to kill Him, first mentioned in [John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus"), resurfaces as the underlying tension, and Jesus' pointed question in [John 7:19](/john/7-19 "John 7:19 - Why Do You Seek to Kill Me?") directly precedes this verse, setting the stage for His defense. He is not merely explaining His actions but exposing the spiritual blindness and prejudice of His accusers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, commemorating Israel's wilderness wanderings and God's provision. It was a time of great national and religious fervor. The central issue Jesus addresses is the Sabbath law, a cornerstone of Jewish identity and worship. While the Torah commanded rest on the Sabbath, the rabbinic traditions had developed an intricate system of prohibitions, often emphasizing the letter of the law over its spirit. Healing was generally considered "work" unless life was in immediate danger. Jesus' healing of the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda ([John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - Healing at the Pool of Bethesda")) was not a life-threatening emergency, thus, in the eyes of the Jewish authorities, it constituted a clear violation of their Sabbath regulations, prompting their outrage and desire to prosecute Him. Their "marvel" was rooted in a rigid legalism that prioritized human tradition over divine compassion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in John's Gospel. It underscores the theme of **Jesus' Divine Authority**, particularly His Lordship over the Sabbath, demonstrating that He is not bound by human interpretations of the law but fulfills its true intent ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Lord of the Sabbath")). It powerfully reveals the **Spiritual Blindness and Hypocrisy** of the Jewish leaders, who "marvel" at a single act of mercy while plotting murder and selectively applying the law (as Jesus further exposes in [John 7:22-23](/john/7-22-23 "John 7:22-23 - Circumcision on the Sabbath")). Furthermore, it highlights the **Conflict Between Light and Darkness**, as Jesus, the Light of the World ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), confronts the darkness of legalism and unbelief. His works, intended as signs pointing to His divine nature and mission, are paradoxically met with hostility rather than faith, emphasizing the theme of **Rejection of the Son of God**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **work (Greek, _érgon'_):** From a primary (but obsolete) verb meaning "to work"; toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act. In this context, it refers specifically to the miraculous act of healing the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus uses "one work" to emphasize that this singular act, though an expression of divine power and mercy, became the focal point of their condemnation, overshadowing His entire ministry and identity.
* **marvel (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** From _thaûma_ (wonder); to wonder; by implication, to admire. While it can denote positive admiration, here it carries the nuance of astonishment mixed with disapproval, indignation, or even bewilderment. The Jewish leaders were not awestruck in a way that led to faith, but rather astonished and scandalized by what they perceived as a transgression of their sacred law.
* **one (Greek, _heîs'_):** A primary numeral; one; a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some. Jesus' use of "one work" (ἐν ἔργον) is significant. It highlights the disproportionate reaction of the crowd and leaders to a single healing, especially when compared to the multitude of signs He performed or the greater works of God. It underscores their selective focus and prejudice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered and said unto them":** This opening phrase indicates a direct, public response from Jesus. He is not speaking generally but addressing the specific, though perhaps unspoken, criticisms and hostile attitudes of the crowd and, more pointedly, the Jewish authorities who were seeking to condemn Him for His actions. His answer is authoritative and confrontational.
* **"I have done one work":** Jesus refers to the healing of the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda, recorded in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - The Healing at Bethesda"). This "one work" was a profound act of compassion and a clear demonstration of divine power, yet it became the primary catalyst for the Jewish leaders' intense opposition and their desire to kill Him. Jesus deliberately highlights the singularity of this act to expose the disproportionate and prejudiced nature of their reaction.
* **"and ye all marvel":** The "marvel" (Greek _thaumázō_) here is not one of positive awe or wonder leading to belief, but rather astonishment mixed with indignation, disapproval, and even outrage. They were scandalized that Jesus would perform such an act on the Sabbath, viewing it as a violation of their interpretation of the Law. Jesus' statement points out their hypocrisy: they are astonished by His single act of mercy, yet they overlook their own legalistic inconsistencies and their murderous intent.

#### Literary Devices
John's Gospel frequently employs **Irony**, and this verse is a prime example. The "marvel" of the crowd is ironic because it is not a positive response of faith or wonder at a divine miracle, but rather a negative astonishment that fuels their opposition. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Jesus' singular, merciful work and the collective, hostile reaction of "all" who marvel. This highlights the spiritual chasm between Jesus' divine mission of grace and the legalistic, ungracious mindset of His accusers. The verse also functions as a **Rhetorical Challenge**, as Jesus implicitly questions the basis of their "marvel," setting the stage for His subsequent argument regarding their inconsistent application of the Law in [John 7:22-23](/john/7-22-23 "John 7:22-23 - Circumcision on the Sabbath").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the ongoing conflict between Jesus' divine authority and the rigid legalism of the Jewish religious establishment. Jesus' "one work" of healing on the Sabbath was not merely a physical restoration but a profound theological statement: that God's mercy and redemptive work transcend human-made rules, and that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Their "marvel" reveals a deep spiritual blindness, an inability to recognize God's activity when it challenged their preconceived notions and traditions. This confrontation foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus by those who prioritized their interpretations of the law over the very Lawgiver Himself, leading to His crucifixion.

* [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Lord of the Sabbath")
* [Luke 6:6-11](/luke/6-6-11 "Luke 6:6-11 - Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Romans 10:2-4](/romans/10-2-4 "Romans 10:2-4 - Righteousness by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 7:21 serves as a profound mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the nature of our own "marvel." Do we marvel at God's work with genuine awe and faith, leading to worship and obedience, or with a critical, judgmental spirit rooted in our own traditions, biases, or comfort zones? Jesus' confrontation with the Jewish leaders exposes the danger of legalism—prioritizing human rules and interpretations over the spirit of God's law, which is fundamentally about love, mercy, and justice. We are called to embody the compassion and truth of Christ, even when it challenges established norms or our own comfortable assumptions. True faith is open to God's surprising ways, recognizing His hand at work even when it disrupts our expectations. This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual discernment requires a heart yielded to God's will, not merely adherence to external regulations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith community might I be "marveling" at God's work with a critical or judgmental spirit, rather than with open-hearted wonder?**
* **How do I balance adherence to biblical principles with the spirit of grace and mercy, especially when they seem to be in tension?**
* **Am I more concerned with external religious performance or with cultivating a heart that truly reflects God's compassion and justice?**
* **What traditions or preconceived notions might be hindering my ability to recognize and embrace God's ongoing work in unexpected ways?**

### FAQ
**Why was the healing of the impotent man considered such a provocative "work" by the Jewish leaders?**

Answer: The healing of the impotent man, detailed in [John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - Healing at the Pool of Bethesda"), was considered provocative because it occurred on the Sabbath. While the Torah commanded rest on the Sabbath, rabbinic traditions had developed extensive rules about what constituted "work." Healing was generally prohibited unless a life was in immediate danger. Since the impotent man's condition was chronic, not life-threatening, the Jewish leaders viewed Jesus' act as an unnecessary violation of their Sabbath laws. Their outrage was further fueled by Jesus' command to the healed man to "take up his bed and walk" ([John 5:8](/john/5-8 "John 5:8 - Take Up Your Bed")), which they also considered a Sabbath transgression, demonstrating their rigid adherence to the letter of their traditions over the spirit of mercy and the divine authority of Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:21, though focusing on a specific healing, points powerfully to the overarching "work" of Christ that elicits both marvel and hostility: His redemptive mission. The "one work" of healing on the Sabbath foreshadows the ultimate work Jesus came to accomplish—the work of salvation through His atoning sacrifice. Just as His healing brought physical restoration, His death and resurrection bring spiritual restoration and eternal life. The Jewish leaders' "marvel" of indignation at His act of mercy on the Sabbath prefigures the world's rejection of the greater work of the cross, where the "princes of this world" ([1 Corinthians 2:8](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - Wisdom of God")) failed to recognize the Lord of Glory. Yet, for those who believe, this "one work" of Christ on the cross, His perfect obedience and sacrifice, becomes the ultimate source of true marvel and adoration, fulfilling God's eternal plan to reconcile humanity to Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World")). His finished work on Calvary, declared with "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), is the singular, perfect act that cleanses from all sin and establishes the new covenant, inviting all to marvel not in condemnation, but in saving faith ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")).

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 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.