John 7:43

So there was a division among the people because of him.

So {G3767} there was {G1096} a division {G4978} among {G1722} the people {G3793} because {G1223} of him {G846}.

So the people were divided because of him.

So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus.

So there arose a division in the multitude because of him.

John 7:43 (KJV) states, "So there was a division among the people because of him." This verse succinctly captures the intense debate and varied reactions Jesus provoked during His ministry, particularly during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.

Context of John 7:43

This verse is the culmination of a series of discussions and arguments surrounding Jesus' identity and teachings throughout John chapter 7. Jesus had come to Jerusalem secretly during the Feast of Tabernacles, but His presence and teaching quickly became public, leading to widespread speculation. The crowd was divided: some believed He was the Christ (John 7:31), while others dismissed Him as a deceiver (John 7:12) or questioned His authority. The Jewish leaders, meanwhile, were actively seeking to arrest Him (John 7:32). Much of the division stemmed from misunderstandings about where the Messiah was prophesied to come from, with many arguing He couldn't be from Galilee (John 7:42).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Divisive Nature of Christ: Jesus, by His very presence and claims, forced people to make a decision about Him. He was not a figure who could be ignored; He elicited strong reactions, creating a clear split between those who believed and those who rejected Him. This echoes Jesus' own words about bringing not peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34).
  • Human Response to Truth: The verse highlights the varied human responses to divine truth. Faced with compelling evidence and powerful teaching, some embraced it, while others hardened their hearts due to prejudice, misinformation, or fear of religious authorities.
  • Misunderstanding of Prophecy: A significant source of division was the people's limited or incorrect understanding of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. They focused on superficial details (like geographical origin) rather than the deeper spiritual truths Jesus embodied.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated as "division" is schisma (σχίσμα). This word literally means a "split" or "tear," and it's the root of our English word "schism." It powerfully conveys the idea of a tearing apart or a deep rift in opinion and unity among the people, indicating that the disagreement was not minor but a significant fracture.

Practical Application

John 7:43 reminds us that Jesus continues to be a figure who divides opinion. His claims about being the Son of God, the only way to salvation, and the ultimate authority still challenge individuals and societies. Understanding this historical reality can help us navigate contemporary discussions about faith. The verse encourages believers to understand the reasons for division and to lovingly present the truth about Christ, knowing that some will accept and others will reject, just as in Jesus' time. It also serves as a warning against allowing preconceived notions or popular opinion to hinder one's personal encounter with the truth of who Jesus is.

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 10:19

    ¶ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

  • 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 7:12

    And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

  • Acts 14:4

    But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • Luke 12:51

    Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

  • Matthew 10:35

    For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

  • Acts 23:7

    And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

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