John 7:23

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} a man {G444} on {G1722} the sabbath day {G4521} receive {G2983} circumcision {G4061}, that {G3363} the law {G3551} of Moses {G3475} should {G3089} not {G3363} be broken {G3089}; are ye angry {G5520} at me {G1698}, because {G3754} I have made {G4160} a man {G444} every whit {G3650} whole {G5199} on {G1722} the sabbath day {G4521}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If a boy is circumcised on Shabbat so that the Torah of Moshe will not be broken, why are you angry with me because I made a man’s whole body well on Shabbat?

Berean Standard Bible

If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?

American Standard Version

If a man receiveth circumcision on the sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken; are ye wroth with me, because I made a man every whit whole on the sabbath?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 7:23, Jesus masterfully confronts the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who condemn His healing on the Sabbath while permitting circumcision on the same day. He uses a powerful a fortiori argument to expose their misplaced priorities, asserting that if a minor ritualistic act is permissible to uphold the Law, then a comprehensive act of mercy and restoration, bringing complete wholeness to a person, is undeniably more aligned with God's true intent for the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' discourse at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, a period marked by intense scrutiny and escalating tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. The immediate backdrop is the ongoing controversy surrounding Jesus' healing of a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, which occurred on the Sabbath (see [John 5:1-18](/john/5-1-18 "John 5:1-18 - Healing at Bethesda and Sabbath Controversy")). The leaders sought to kill Jesus because of this act, accusing Him of breaking the Sabbath and making Himself equal with God. In [John 7:21](/john/7-21 "John 7:21 - Jesus' Defense of Sabbath Healing"), Jesus refers back to "one work" that has astonished them. His argument in [John 7:23](/john/7-23 "John 7:23 - Jesus' Argument for Sabbath Healing") is a direct defense, challenging their judgment and setting the stage for His call to "judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" in [John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Judge Righteously").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, drawing large crowds to Jerusalem. During this time, religious observance was heightened, and adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly the Sabbath, was a cornerstone of Jewish identity. Jewish tradition, based on the Law of Moses (specifically [Leviticus 12:3](/leviticus/12-3 "Leviticus 12:3 - Law of Circumcision")), mandated circumcision on the eighth day after birth, even if that day fell on the Sabbath. This practice was considered essential for upholding the covenant given to Abraham ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Covenant of Circumcision")). The prevailing rabbinic interpretation allowed for the "work" of circumcision on the Sabbath because it was seen as a divine command that superseded the general Sabbath prohibition against labor, demonstrating a hierarchical understanding of the Law. Jesus leverages this accepted practice to expose the inconsistency of His accusers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights Jesus' challenge to the prevailing, overly strict interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was intended for man's good and for acts of mercy, not as an oppressive burden, a principle Jesus articulates in [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - The Sabbath for Man"). Furthermore, by equating His healing with the upholding of the Law, Jesus subtly asserts His divine authority over the Law itself and the Sabbath, demonstrating that His actions are consistent with, and indeed fulfill, the spirit of God's commands. The Jewish leaders' anger reveals their misplaced priorities, condemning a life-giving miracle while upholding a ritualistic requirement, thus exposing their spiritual blindness and legalistic hypocrisy. Ultimately, the verse underscores the biblical principle that God desires mercy over sacrifice, and genuine acts of compassion are more pleasing than mere adherence to external rituals, a truth found in [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy") and reiterated by Jesus in [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō_):** This verb signifies "to take," "to get hold of," or "to obtain." In the context of "receive circumcision," it refers to undergoing the rite, emphasizing the active participation in or submission to the procedure as a fulfillment of the covenant command.
* **broken (Greek, _lýō_):** Meaning "to loosen," "to destroy," or "to dissolve," this word is used here in the sense of violating or annulling the Law of Moses. Jesus' accusers believed His Sabbath healing "broke" the Law, yet they permitted circumcision on the Sabbath to prevent the Law itself from being "broken" regarding the eighth-day requirement.
* **every whit whole (Greek, _hólos hygiḗs_):** This powerful phrase combines _hólos_, meaning "whole" or "complete," and _hygiḗs_, meaning "healthy" or "sound." Together, they emphasize that Jesus' healing was not partial or temporary, but a full, comprehensive, and perfect restoration to health. This contrasts sharply with the minor incision of circumcision, making Jesus' argument for the greater good of His miracle even more potent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken;":** Jesus initiates a rhetorical argument by acknowledging a universally accepted Jewish practice. He points out that it was permissible, indeed obligatory, to perform circumcision on the eighth day after a male child's birth, even if that day fell on the Sabbath. The rationale for this exception was to ensure that the command of Moses (and the Abrahamic covenant) regarding the timing of circumcision was not violated or "broken." This act, while involving a minor "work" (an incision), was seen as upholding a higher principle of the Law.
* **"are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?":** This is the crux of Jesus' challenge, highlighting the profound inconsistency and hypocrisy of His accusers. He contrasts the minor, ritualistic act of circumcision, which involves a partial "breaking" of the skin, with His miraculous act of making a man "every whit whole"—a complete and total restoration of health and well-being. Jesus' question exposes the absurdity of their anger: if a small act of "work" is permitted for a ritualistic purpose to uphold the Law, why is a far greater act of life-giving mercy and comprehensive healing condemned? Their anger reveals their misplaced priorities, valuing rigid legalistic adherence over divine compassion and the well-being of a human life.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse to underscore His argument and expose the spiritual blindness of His opponents. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, where Jesus poses a question not to elicit an answer, but to make a point and highlight the illogical nature of their accusations. By framing His defense as a question, He forces His listeners to confront the inherent contradiction in their judgment. This rhetorical question is built upon an **A Fortiori Argument** (Latin for "from the stronger"), also known as an "all the more" argument. Jesus argues that if a lesser act (circumcision, which involves a minor wound and is performed to prevent the Law from being "broken") is permissible on the Sabbath, then an infinitely greater act (making a man "every whit whole," which brings complete restoration and life) should be "all the more" permissible and celebrated. This argument highlights the disproportionate nature of their condemnation. Furthermore, the verse relies heavily on **Contrast**, juxtaposing the "breaking" of the skin in circumcision with the "making whole" of a man, and the minor ritualistic act with a profound act of divine compassion and healing. This sharp contrast serves to expose the misplaced priorities and spiritual hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:23 is a profound theological statement on the true nature of God's law and the character of God Himself. It reveals Jesus' understanding of the Sabbath as a day for life and mercy, not rigid legalism. By comparing His healing to circumcision, Jesus asserts that acts of compassion and restoration are not only permissible but are, in fact, a higher fulfillment of God's will than mere ritualistic observance. This challenges the prevailing legalistic interpretations of His day, which often elevated human traditions above the divine intent for human flourishing. The passage underscores that God's desire is for holistic well-being and mercy, exposing the spiritual blindness of those who prioritize external rules over the transformative power of divine love.

* [Matthew 12:12](/matthew/12-12 "Matthew 12:12 - It is lawful to do well on the sabbath days")
* [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing of a Woman on the Sabbath")
* [John 5:16-18](/john/5-16-18 "John 5:16-18 - Persecution for Sabbath Healing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a powerful mirror for believers, prompting us to critically examine our own spiritual priorities and interpretations of God's commands. Are we, like the Jewish leaders, at risk of prioritizing outward appearances, rigid rules, or established traditions over genuine compassion, mercy, and the holistic well-being of others? Jesus' argument challenges us to move beyond a superficial, legalistic understanding of faith to embrace the heart of God, which consistently leans towards grace, healing, and life. True spirituality is not merely about adhering to a set of regulations, but about embodying the character of Christ, who consistently sought to bring wholeness to broken lives. We are called to discern what truly honors God: is it strict adherence to a rule that may hinder human flourishing, or is it an act of love and mercy that brings healing and restoration? This verse encourages us to prioritize love and grace, especially when interacting with those in need, rather than being bound by traditions that miss the profound, life-giving essence of God's law.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance adherence to spiritual principles with acts of compassion and mercy in my own life and community?**
* **Am I ever guilty of spiritual hypocrisy, prioritizing outward observance or my own comfort over genuine love and care for others?**
* **In what practical ways can I seek to bring "wholeness" to those around me, reflecting Christ's character and prioritizing human flourishing?**
* **What "laws" or traditions in my life or church might be hindering a more expansive and compassionate expression of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was circumcision permitted on the Sabbath, and how does this relate to Jesus' argument?**

Answer: Circumcision was permitted on the Sabbath because it was a direct command from God in the Law of Moses ([Leviticus 12:3](/leviticus/12-3 "Leviticus 12:3 - Law of Circumcision")) and the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Covenant of Circumcision")) to be performed on the eighth day. Rabbinic interpretation held that this specific divine command superseded the general Sabbath prohibition against work, as it was essential for upholding the covenant. Jesus uses this accepted practice to highlight the hypocrisy of His accusers: if a minor "work" (an incision) is permissible to uphold the Law, then a far greater act of healing and restoration, which brings complete wholeness, should be even more permissible and celebrated.

**What does "every whit whole" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "every whit whole" translates the Greek words _holos hygiḗs_, which together emphasize a complete, total, and perfect restoration to health. It signifies that Jesus' healing was not partial or temporary but a comprehensive and permanent transformation of the individual's condition. This highlights the profound nature of His miracle, contrasting sharply with the minor incision involved in circumcision and underscoring the greater good achieved by His act of mercy.

**How does this verse relate to the "spirit of the law" versus the "letter of the law"?**

Answer: This verse is a quintessential example of Jesus emphasizing the "spirit of the law" over a rigid adherence to the "letter of the law." The Jewish leaders were focused on the letter of the Sabbath law, which they interpreted as prohibiting all work, including healing. However, Jesus argues that the true spirit and purpose of the Sabbath, and indeed all of God's law, is to bring life, healing, and mercy. By healing on the Sabbath, Jesus was not "breaking" the law but fulfilling its deeper, divine intent. He demonstrates that God desires compassion and life-giving acts more than mere external ritualistic observance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:23 profoundly reveals Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath and the ultimate bringer of wholeness, demonstrating His divine authority and compassionate nature. His argument, rooted in the accepted practice of circumcision on the Sabbath, subtly elevates His identity and mission. If a ritualistic act that "breaks" the skin is permissible to uphold the Law, how much more so is an act that makes a man "every whit whole" in body and spirit? Jesus' healing on the Sabbath is a powerful sign of His kingdom, where life and restoration supersede mere legalistic observance. He is not merely a healer of physical ailments but the one who comes to bring complete spiritual wholeness, fulfilling the prophetic promise that by His wounds we are healed ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed") and [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Healed by His Wounds")). His actions foreshadow the ultimate Sabbath rest and spiritual healing found in Him, as He is the fulfillment of the Law and the true rest for our souls, making obsolete the shadows of ritualistic observances ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come") and [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). He is the true "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Lord of the Sabbath")), embodying its purpose to bring life and freedom.

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 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

John 5:16

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

Matthew 12:5

Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

Matthew 12:2

But when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

John 5:8

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

John 5:9

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.