And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this [man] hath done?

And {G1161} many {G4183} of {G1537} the people {G3793} believed {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846}, and {G2532} said {G3004},{G3754} When {G3752} Christ {G5547} cometh {G2064}, will he do {G3385}{G4160} more {G4119} miracles {G4592} than these {G5130} which {G3739} this {G3778} man hath done {G4160}?

However, many in the crowd put their trust in him and said, “When the Messiah comes, will he do more miracles than this man has done?”

Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?”

But of the multitude many believed on him; and they said, When the Christ shall come, will he do more signs than those which this man hath done?

John 7:31 captures a pivotal moment during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, where many people began to acknowledge Jesus' extraordinary power and questioned if He might be the long-awaited Messiah.

Context of John 7:31

This verse is set against the backdrop of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a significant pilgrimage festival in Jerusalem. Jesus had been teaching openly, and His words and deeds were causing a stir among the crowds. The Jewish people held strong expectations for the coming of the Messiah, believing He would perform great signs and deliver Israel. Jesus' consistent performance of undeniable miracles forced many to confront their preconceived notions and consider His true identity, even as some religious leaders sought to arrest Him (John 7:32).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Belief Stirred by Miracles: The verse highlights that Jesus' "miracles" (Greek: semeia, meaning "signs") were so compelling that they led "many of the people" to believe in Him. These signs served as powerful evidence of His divine authority and presence, prompting genuine consideration among the populace.
  • Messianic Expectation: The question, "When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this [man] hath done?" reveals a deep-seated hope for the Messiah (Greek: Christos, "Anointed One"). It shows that the people were weighing Jesus' works against their prophetic expectations of the Messiah's deeds, such as those described in Isaiah 35:5-6, where the blind see and the deaf hear.
  • Incomplete Faith and Lingering Doubt: While "many believed," their question also betrays a degree of uncertainty or a conditional faith. They were impressed but not fully convinced, still comparing Him to a future ideal rather than embracing Him as the present reality of the Messiah. The phrase "this [man]" suggests a subtle reluctance to fully acknowledge His divine status, despite the overwhelming evidence.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word for "miracles" used here is semeia, which literally means "signs." In John's Gospel, Jesus' miracles are not merely displays of power but are intended to point to a deeper truth about His identity as the Son of God. They are invitations to believe in Him, as explicitly stated in John 20:30-31, which declares that these signs were written so that readers might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Practical Application

John 7:31 serves as a timeless reminder that while God often uses tangible evidence and works to draw people to Himself, true faith ultimately requires moving beyond merely being impressed by signs to a full commitment to the person of Jesus Christ. It challenges us to consider if our faith is built on a complete understanding of who Jesus is and what He has already accomplished, or if we are still waiting for "more" before fully trusting Him. The signs Jesus performed were sufficient to authenticate His claim as the Messiah and the Son of God, inviting all to believe and receive eternal life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • John 12:42

    ¶ Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [him], lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
  • Matthew 12:23

    And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
  • John 10:41

    And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
  • John 10:42

    And many believed on him there.
  • John 9:16

    Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
  • John 11:45

    ¶ Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
  • John 8:30

    As he spake these words, many believed on him.

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