John 7:25

KJV

Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said {G3004} some {G5100} of {G1537} them of Jerusalem {G2415}, Is {G2076} not {G3756} this {G3778} he, whom {G3739} they seek {G2212} to kill {G615}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Some of the Yerushalayim people said, “Isn’t this the man they’re out to kill?

Berean Standard Bible

Then some of the people of Jerusalem began to say, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill?

American Standard Version

Some therefore of them of Jerusalem said, Is not this he whom they seek to kill?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:25 captures the astonishment of some Jerusalem residents as Jesus teaches openly in the Temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles. These individuals, privy to the religious authorities' ongoing plot to kill Jesus, are perplexed by His unhindered presence and bold proclamation, highlighting the public awareness of the Sanhedrin's murderous intent and the perceived failure of their efforts to apprehend Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly charged section of John's Gospel, specifically during the [Feast of Tabernacles](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles"). Jesus, after initially coming to the feast secretly ([John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus Goes to the Feast Secretly")), begins to teach openly in the Temple ([John 7:14](/john/7-14 "John 7:14 - Jesus Teaches in the Temple")). His teaching immediately sparks intense debate and division among the crowds, with some recognizing His authority and others dismissing Him as demon-possessed or a deceiver ([John 7:12-13](/john/7-12-13 "John 7:12-13 - Division Over Jesus")). The question posed in [John 7:25](/john/7-25 "John 7:25 - The Jerusalemites' Question") arises from this atmosphere of public discourse and the widespread knowledge of the Jewish leaders' existing animosity and murderous intentions toward Jesus, which had been previously established in [John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals, drawing vast numbers of Jews to Jerusalem. The city would be bustling, and the Temple courts would serve as a central hub for teaching, debate, and religious activity. The "them of Jerusalem" (Hierosolymítēs) refers to the local inhabitants, who, unlike the pilgrims, were intimately familiar with the political and religious climate of the city, including the machinations of the Sanhedrin—the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council. This council, comprising Pharisees and Sadducees, held significant authority under Roman oversight and had already deemed Jesus a threat, seeking His life due to His claims of divinity and actions like healing on the Sabbath ([John 5:16-18](/john/5-16-18 "John 5:16-18 - Persecution for Healing on the Sabbath")). Their public knowledge of the plot underscores the open secret of the religious establishment's hostility.
* **Key Themes:** [John 7:25](/john/7-25 "John 7:25 - The Jerusalemites' Question") contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights the **public awareness of persecution**, demonstrating that the religious leaders' plot against Jesus was not a hidden agenda but a known fact circulating among the city's residents. Secondly, it showcases the **astonishment and confusion** of the crowd; they knew of the official warrant for Jesus's death, yet here He was, speaking freely and publicly, leading to bewilderment about why He wasn't being apprehended. Finally, the verse subtly underscores **Jesus's boldness and divine protection**, emphasizing that His presence and open teaching, despite the known threats, were not accidental. His life was not subject to human control, and His "hour" to be glorified through death had not yet come ([John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - Jesus' Hour Had Not Yet Come")). This theme of divine timing is crucial throughout John's Gospel, asserting God's sovereign control over all events, including the timing of Jesus's passion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, meaning "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it indicates a public utterance, a statement made within the context of the ongoing discussions about Jesus in the Temple courts. The use of this verb suggests a deliberate expression of observation and perplexity by the Jerusalemites.
* **of Jerusalem (Greek, _Hierosolymítēs'_):** From G2415, meaning "an inhabitant of Hierosolyma (Jerusalem)." This specific designation is crucial. It distinguishes these speakers from the general crowd of pilgrims who might be less aware of the local political climate. These are residents, implying a deeper, more informed understanding of the Sanhedrin's intentions and the city's internal affairs regarding Jesus.
* **seek to kill (Greek, _zētéō apokteínō'_):** This phrase combines G2212 (_zētéō_), "to seek" (literally or figuratively, often implying a plot against life in a bad sense), and G615 (_apokteínō_), "to kill outright" or "to destroy." The combination vividly portrays the persistent, active, and murderous intent of the authorities. The present tense of "seek" (ζητοῦσιν) indicates an ongoing, determined effort, highlighting the stark contrast with Jesus's unhindered public presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said some of them of Jerusalem":** This opening clause establishes the speakers as local residents, not merely transient visitors to the Feast. Their identity as "of Jerusalem" signifies their familiarity with the city's inner workings and the established plot against Jesus's life. Their statement is a direct reaction to Jesus's public teaching, which contradicts their understanding of the authorities' intentions.
* **"Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?":** This is a rhetorical question, expecting an affirmative answer. It reveals the speakers' astonishment and confusion. They are aware of the official decree or widespread knowledge that the Jewish leaders are actively plotting Jesus's death. The fact that Jesus is openly present and teaching, seemingly unmolested, directly challenges their understanding of the situation, prompting this incredulous query. It implies a sense of "Why isn't He being arrested if they want to kill Him?"

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [John 7:25](/john/7-25 "John 7:25 - The Jerusalemites' Question") is the **Rhetorical Question**. The question "Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?" is not asked for information but to express the speakers' surprise, confusion, and the inherent paradox of the situation. It highlights the tension between the known plot against Jesus's life and His unhindered public appearance. This rhetorical device effectively draws the reader into the speakers' bewilderment. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** present; the very people who are actively seeking to kill Jesus are seemingly powerless to stop Him from teaching openly in their midst, demonstrating the divine sovereignty over human plans. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly reminding the reader of the persistent threat to Jesus's life, which will ultimately culminate in His crucifixion, but only at the Father's appointed time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over human machinations. Despite the clear and persistent intent of the religious authorities to kill Jesus, their plans are thwarted until God's appointed "hour" arrives. The Jerusalemites' question highlights the perceived impotence of human evil in the face of divine timing and protection. It reveals that Jesus's life was not subject to the whims of His enemies but was unfolding according to a predetermined divine schedule, culminating in His voluntary sacrifice. This tension between human malice and divine control is a recurring motif in John's Gospel, affirming that God's purposes cannot be frustrated by human opposition.

* [John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - Jesus' Hour Had Not Yet Come"): "These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come."
* [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily"): "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."
* [Luke 4:28-30](/luke/4-28-30 "Luke 4:28-30 - Jesus Escapes Nazareth Mob"): "And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The astonishment of the Jerusalemites in [John 7:25](/john/7-25 "John 7:25 - The Jerusalemites' Question") serves as a profound reminder that God's plans operate on a timeline and according to a wisdom far surpassing human understanding or opposition. Jesus's fearless presence in the very heart of His enemies' territory, despite their murderous intent, demonstrates unwavering trust in His Father's sovereign control. For believers today, this passage offers immense encouragement to live boldly for Christ, even when facing hostility or misunderstanding. It challenges us to trust in God's perfect timing for every circumstance of our lives, recognizing that our ultimate safety and purpose are secured in His hands, not in the absence of opposition. Just as Jesus's "hour" was divinely appointed, so too are the seasons and challenges we face. We are called to courageously proclaim truth, knowing that no human plot or power can ultimately thwart God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to fear human opposition more than you trust God's sovereign timing and protection?**
* **How does Jesus's boldness in the face of a known death threat inspire you to be more courageous in living out your faith?**
* **What current "plots" or challenges in your life might God be allowing to unfold according to His greater, unseen purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people of Jerusalem aware of the plot to kill Jesus, and what does this imply about the religious authorities?**

Answer: The people of Jerusalem were aware of the plot to kill Jesus because the religious authorities, particularly the Sanhedrin, had already made their intentions known and had likely attempted to apprehend Him previously, as hinted in [John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus") and [John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea"). This implies that the religious leaders' animosity towards Jesus was not a secret but a widely known fact within the city. Their public pursuit of His life suggests a desperate attempt to maintain their authority and control, viewing Jesus as a significant threat to their established order and interpretations of the Law. The open knowledge of their plot also highlights their frustration and perceived failure at this point, as Jesus continued to teach freely despite their efforts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 7:25](/john/7-25 "John 7:25 - The Jerusalemites' Question") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate culmination of human evil and divine purpose in the person of Christ. The question, "Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?" underscores the relentless, murderous intent of humanity against its Creator, yet it simultaneously highlights the sovereign control of God. Jesus's ability to walk freely and teach openly, despite the known plot, points to His divine authority over life and death, and the fact that His "hour" had not yet come ([John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - Jesus' Hour Had Not Yet Come")). This divine timing was not arbitrary but precisely orchestrated for the moment when Jesus would voluntarily lay down His life as the perfect sacrifice for sin ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily")). His eventual crucifixion, though carried out by human hands, was the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that even the deepest malice of humanity could not thwart the Father's will but would, in fact, serve to accomplish the salvation of the world ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreordained Plan")). The very "killing" they sought was ultimately the means by which He would conquer death and offer eternal life to all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")).

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 7:10

But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

John 7:11

Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?