


John 7:27
Bible Versions
Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
Surely not — we know where this man comes from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he comes from.”
But we know where this man is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where He is from.”
Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when the Christ cometh, no one knoweth whence he is.
John 7:27 presents a moment of profound irony and misunderstanding during Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem. The people, gathered for the Feast of Tabernacles, debated Jesus' identity and origin, reflecting common Messianic expectations of their time.
Context
This verse takes place during the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival in Jerusalem. Jesus had come up to the feast secretly at first (John 7:10), but later began teaching openly in the temple. His teaching and miracles sparked intense debate among the crowds. The people here are expressing a widely held belief: that the Messiah's appearance would be sudden and mysterious, with no one knowing his earthly origins. They contrast this with their perceived knowledge of Jesus' background, having seen Him grow up in Nazareth, Galilee. This belief fueled their skepticism about Jesus being the Christ, as they thought they "knew whence he is."
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "whence he is" (Greek: pothen estin) literally means "from where he is." It speaks to origin or source. The people's statement indicates their belief that they had a complete understanding of Jesus' source – His earthly family and hometown. The irony lies in their ignorance of His ultimate, divine source, which Jesus repeatedly affirmed throughout John's Gospel.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful reminder not to let preconceived notions or superficial knowledge blind us to deeper spiritual truths. Just as the people in Jerusalem missed Jesus' true identity because of their limited understanding, we too can miss God's work in our lives if we rely solely on our own expectations or worldly perspectives. It encourages us to always seek a deeper understanding of Christ, beyond what is immediately apparent, and to be open to God's revelation, even when it challenges our assumptions. Understanding Jesus' divine nature and origin is foundational to true faith.