John 7:3

KJV

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

KJV (with Strong's)

His {G846} brethren {G80} therefore {G3767} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Depart {G3327} hence {G1782}, and {G2532} go {G5217} into {G1519} Judaea {G2449}, that {G2443} thy {G4675} disciples {G3101} also {G2532} may see {G2334} the works {G2041} that {G3739} thou {G4675} doest {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go into Y’hudah, so that your talmidim can see the miracles you do;

Berean Standard Bible

So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing.

American Standard Version

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may behold thy works which thou doest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 7:3, Jesus's half-brothers, who at this point did not yet believe in His divine identity, urge Him to leave Galilee and go to Judea. Their counsel is rooted in a worldly perspective, suggesting that He should perform His miraculous "works" more publicly in Jerusalem, the religious and political center, so that His Judean disciples might witness His power and thereby solidify His following and reputation. This interaction sets the stage for Jesus's strategic timing and the unfolding tension between human expectations and divine purpose during the Feast of Tabernacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial section in John's Gospel (John 7:1-10) that immediately precedes Jesus's controversial appearance at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Following significant events like the feeding of the five thousand and the Bread of Life discourse in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - The Bread of Life"), Jesus has been ministering primarily in Galilee to avoid the escalating hostility from Jewish authorities in Judea. His brothers' suggestion in [John 7:3](/john/7-3 "John 7:3 - Jesus's Brothers' Counsel") highlights the growing pressure on Jesus to conform to popular expectations of a messiah who would publicly assert His authority. Their unbelief, explicitly stated in [John 7:5](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - The Unbelief of Jesus's Brothers"), underscores the profound spiritual chasm between their worldly ambition for Him and His divine mission, setting up Jesus's subsequent teaching on divine timing and true spiritual understanding.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Passover and Pentecost) that required all Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem. It was a joyous harvest festival, commemorating God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and looking forward to the messianic age when God would "tabernacle" among His people. Jerusalem, particularly during these festivals, was a bustling hub of religious fervor, political intrigue, and public discourse. Performing miracles there would garner immense attention, both positive and negative. The brothers' advice reflects a common expectation among many Jews for a Messiah who would act decisively and publicly, perhaps even militarily, to establish His kingdom. Their understanding was shaped by the political and nationalistic hopes of the time, rather than the spiritual nature of Jesus's kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** The interaction in [John 7:3](/john/7-3 "John 7:3 - Jesus's Brothers' Counsel") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **unbelief and misunderstanding**, particularly among those closest to Jesus. Despite witnessing His "works" (miracles), His brothers fail to grasp His true identity and divine mission, viewing Him through a lens of worldly ambition and public validation, as further emphasized in [John 7:5](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - The Unbelief of Jesus's Brothers"). Secondly, it highlights the stark contrast between **worldly ambition and divine purpose**. The brothers' counsel is driven by a desire for public spectacle and fame, while Jesus operates strictly according to His Father's divine timetable and will, as He articulates in [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus's Divine Timing"). This tension between human desires and God's sovereign plan is a recurring motif in John. Finally, the verse touches upon **discipleship and witness**, as the brothers suggest Jesus's works are for His "disciples" to see, implying the importance of eyewitness accounts and the role of signs in strengthening faith, even if their own motivation was misguided.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb (G2036) is a primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it denotes a direct verbal communication from Jesus's brothers to Him. It's a straightforward declaration, but the underlying motivation (worldly ambition and unbelief) adds a layer of irony and tension to their "saying."
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," _mathētḗs_ (G3101) refers to a "learner" or "pupil." Here, the brothers refer to Jesus's followers, indicating that Jesus already had a recognized group of adherents. Their concern, however misguided, was for the perception and strengthening of this group, suggesting a desire for Jesus to prove His claims to them through public display.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** This noun (G2041) signifies "toil (as an effort or occupation)" or, by implication, "an act" or "deed." In John's Gospel, _érgon_ frequently refers to Jesus's miraculous deeds, which are not mere displays of power but profound "signs" pointing to His divine identity and the Father's active presence through Him. The brothers' focus on Jesus's "works" reveals their superficial understanding, valuing the spectacle over the spiritual truth these signs conveyed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His brethren therefore said unto him,"**: This clause establishes the speakers as Jesus's half-brothers, indicating a familial relationship. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) links this statement to the preceding context, implying their awareness of His ministry in Galilee and the approaching Feast of Tabernacles. Their address to Him is direct, signaling their intent to offer Him counsel.
* **"Depart hence, and go into Judaea,"**: This is the core of their counsel, a two-part imperative. "Depart hence" (from Galilee) and "go into Judaea" (specifically Jerusalem for the Feast). This reflects their desire for Jesus to move from the relative obscurity of Galilee to the prominent stage of Judea, where His actions would gain maximum exposure and public scrutiny.
* **"that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest."**: This final clause states their explicit purpose. They believe a public display of His "works" (miracles) in Judea would benefit His "disciples," perhaps to strengthen their faith, attract new followers, or validate Jesus's claims in a more convincing manner. This reveals their pragmatic, results-oriented, and ultimately worldly perspective on Jesus's ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Jesus's own family, who should be His closest supporters, are revealed to be unbelievers ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - The Unbelief of Jesus's Brothers")), offering advice that runs contrary to His divine timing and purpose. Their counsel, intended to elevate Jesus in a worldly sense, actually highlights their spiritual blindness. There is also a subtle **contrast** between the brothers' worldly ambition for public display and Jesus's consistent focus on divine timing and the Father's will. The term "works" (Greek: _erga_) functions as a **motif** throughout John's Gospel, consistently referring to Jesus's miracles as "signs" that reveal His divine identity. Here, the brothers' use of the term underscores their superficial understanding of these signs, viewing them as mere spectacles for public validation rather than profound revelations of God's truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:3 serves as a poignant illustration of the pervasive human tendency to misunderstand divine purpose, even among those intimately acquainted with Jesus. The brothers' counsel, born of unbelief and a desire for worldly recognition, stands in stark contrast to Jesus's unwavering commitment to His Father's will and timing. This passage underscores that true faith is not predicated on outward spectacle or public acclaim, but on an internal recognition of Jesus's divine person and mission. It highlights the spiritual chasm between those who seek earthly glory and those who seek to glorify God, reminding us that God's ways are often counter-intuitive to human wisdom.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [1 Corinthians 1:22-25](/1_corinthians/1-22-25 "1 Corinthians 1:22-25 - The Wisdom of God")
* [John 6:66-69](/john/6-66-69 "John 6:66-69 - Peter's Confession of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 7:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even those closest to us, or those within the church, may not fully grasp God's ways or our specific calling. Just as Jesus faced misunderstanding and worldly advice from His own family, we too may encounter skepticism or pressure to conform to human expectations rather than divine leading. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's timing and wisdom, rather than succumbing to the allure of immediate gratification or public validation. Our motivation in ministry and service should always be to glorify God, not to seek personal fame or human applause. True spiritual impact often occurs outside the "spotlight," in quiet obedience and faithfulness to God's specific instructions for our lives. We are encouraged to discern God's will not by what seems expedient or popular, but by what aligns with His character and eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to prioritize human approval or worldly success over God's timing and methods?**
* **How do I respond when those closest to me misunderstand my spiritual convictions or callings?**
* **What does it mean to trust God's perfect timing, even when it seems counter-intuitive or slow by human standards?**
* **Am I more concerned with the outward appearance of my "works" or with the spiritual truth and glory they convey?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus's brothers suggest He go to Judea?**

Answer: Jesus's brothers, who at this point did not believe in Him ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - The Unbelief of Jesus's Brothers")), suggested He go to Judea for the Feast of Tabernacles to perform His "works" (miracles) more publicly. Their motivation appears to be a desire for Jesus to gain greater recognition and solidify His following in the religious and political center of Jewish life. They likely viewed His ministry through a worldly lens, perhaps hoping He would prove His claims in a more spectacular way, possibly to their own social benefit or to alleviate any embarrassment His lack of public acclaim in Jerusalem might have caused.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though Jesus's brothers' counsel was rooted in unbelief and worldly ambition, their unwitting suggestion for Jesus to go to Judea foreshadows His ultimate journey to Jerusalem, not for public acclaim, but for the cross. Their desire for His "works" to be seen by His disciples in Judea finds its profound fulfillment in the ultimate "work" of redemption accomplished on Calvary. The very place they urged Him to go for earthly recognition became the stage for His supreme act of self-giving love, a work that truly establishes His disciples and draws all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). Jesus, the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), did indeed go to Judea, not to perform a spectacle, but to fulfill the Father's will, securing eternal life for all who believe, a "work" far surpassing any earthly miracle in its salvific power and eternal significance ([John 6:28-29](/john/6-28-29 "John 6:28-29 - The Work of God")). His true "disciples" would later understand that the greatest "work" was not His miracles, but His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, which truly revealed His divine identity and established His spiritual kingdom ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")).

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

Matthew 12:46

¶ While he yet talked to the people, behold, [his] mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

John 7:5

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

1 Samuel 17:28

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Genesis 37:20

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Jeremiah 12:6

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

Genesis 37:5

¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told [it] his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

Genesis 37:11

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.