John 7:48

KJV

Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

KJV (with Strong's)

Have any {G3387} of {G1537} the rulers {G758} or {G2228} of {G1537} the Pharisees {G5330} believed {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

“Has any of the authorities trusted him? Or any of the P’rushim? No!

Berean Standard Bible

“Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him?

American Standard Version

Hath any of the rulers believed on him, or of the Pharisees?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:48 captures a dismissive rhetorical question posed by the Jewish religious authorities, likely the Pharisees, during the Feast of Tabernacles. This question, "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?", serves as an attempt to discredit Jesus by appealing to their own perceived authority and status, implying that no person of influence or theological standing would ever endorse His claims. It powerfully illustrates the profound spiritual blindness and entrenched opposition Jesus faced from the religious establishment, contrasting sharply with the growing belief among the common people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger narrative in [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles") where Jesus is teaching openly in the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. His profound teachings and miraculous signs are creating a stir, leading to divided opinions among the crowds. The Jewish authorities, particularly the chief priests and Pharisees, are increasingly hostile, having already dispatched officers to arrest Him ([John 7:32](/john/7-32 "John 7:32 - Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus")). The officers return empty-handed, confessing, "Never man spake like this man" ([John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - Officers Amazed by Jesus' Words")). John 7:48 is the indignant, dismissive retort of the Pharisees to these officers, or perhaps to Nicodemus who speaks up in [John 7:50](/john/7-50 "John 7:50 - Nicodemus's Defense"), revealing their reliance on human status and their collective unbelief.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the most significant annual Jewish pilgrimage festivals, drawing large crowds. The "rulers" (ἀρχοντες) refer to members of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and administrative council, and other influential leaders. The "Pharisees" (Φαρισαῖοι) were a prominent and influential Jewish religious sect known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, holding significant sway over public opinion. In this hierarchical society, the endorsement of such figures carried immense weight. For the common people, believing in someone rejected by the religious elite could lead to social ostracization, including excommunication from the synagogue, as seen in [John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - Blind Man's Parents Fear Excommunication").
* **Key Themes:** [John's Gospel](/john "John - The Gospel of John") frequently highlights the theme of **Spiritual Blindness** versus **Spiritual Sight**, often contrasting the unbelief of the religious elite with the faith of ordinary people or those marginalized. This verse exemplifies the leaders' profound inability or unwillingness to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, despite the clear signs and His divine teaching. It also underscores the theme of **Rejection of Jesus by Authority**, a recurring motif throughout Jesus' ministry, which ultimately leads to His crucifixion. Furthermore, the question reveals a deep-seated **Reliance on Human Opinion and Status** over divine truth, where truth is validated not by its inherent nature or divine origin, but by the social standing of its adherents. This contrasts sharply with the theme of **Divine Authority** inherent in Jesus' person and words, which transcends human approval.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rulers (Greek, _árchōn'_):** This term (G758) refers to "a first (in rank or power)," signifying those holding positions of authority and influence, often members of the Sanhedrin or other high-ranking officials. The Pharisees' appeal to the rulers' collective unbelief underscores their reliance on human power structures and social validation rather than divine revelation.
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** This word (G5330) denotes "a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary." The Pharisees were a dominant religious group, meticulously devoted to the Law and oral tradition, and their non-belief was presented as a definitive judgment against Jesus, implying that their theological expertise rendered His claims invalid.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This verb (G4100) means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." The use of this word, especially when combined with the preposition "on" (G1519, _eis_), signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it implies a deep, transformative trust and commitment *into* Jesus, a personal surrender to His claims and person. The Pharisees imply that no one of their standing would make such a profound commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have any":** This opening phrase introduces a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit information but to make a forceful, dismissive assertion. It implies an expected negative answer, functioning as a declaration that the answer is "no one."
* **"of the rulers or of the Pharisees":** This specifies the elite groups whose opinion is deemed paramount. By highlighting these influential figures, the question attempts to establish a social and theological consensus against Jesus, suggesting that if those with authority and knowledge don't believe, then no one should.
* **"believed on him?":** This is the core of the question, challenging the very notion of faith in Jesus. The Greek preposition "on" (εἰς, _eis_) with "him" (αὐτόν, _auton_) implies a belief that leads to a deep, personal commitment and union with Jesus, rather than just intellectual acknowledgment. The Pharisees imply that such a radical commitment to Jesus is unthinkable for people of their stature.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [John 7:48](/john/7-48 "John 7:48 - The Rulers' Unbelief") is a **Rhetorical Question**. The question "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?" is not asked to gain information, but to convey a strong, negative assertion: "Of course not! No one important has believed." This device effectively communicates the Pharisees' contempt and their attempt to use their own perceived authority to discredit Jesus. There is also a powerful element of **Irony** at play. While the Pharisees believe they are demonstrating Jesus' illegitimacy, their question inadvertently highlights their spiritual blindness and the very nature of the Kingdom of God, which often bypasses the proud and self-righteous to embrace the humble. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** drawn between the elite (rulers and Pharisees) and the common people (whom they disparagingly call "this people who knoweth not the law" in [John 7:49](/john/7-49 "John 7:49 - The Leaders' Contempt for the People")), emphasizing that genuine faith is not contingent on social status or religious pedigree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:48 powerfully illustrates the consistent pattern of rejection Jesus faced from the established religious and political authorities of His day. This rejection was not due to a lack of evidence or profound teaching, but rather stemmed from their hardened hearts, pride, and a fear of losing their power and traditions. Theologically, this highlights the truth that human authority and worldly wisdom are often antithetical to divine wisdom and the revelation of God's Son. God's ways are frequently contrary to human expectations, and true faith often flourishes outside the confines of established power structures, among those considered insignificant by the world's standards. This verse serves as a sober reminder that spiritual truth is not validated by popularity or the endorsement of influential figures, but by its inherent divine origin and transformative power.

* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - God Chooses the Foolish")
* [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Wisdom Hidden from the Wise")
* [Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges us to examine the sources of our own convictions and beliefs. Are we swayed by popular opinion, social status, or the endorsements of influential figures, even within religious circles? Or is our faith rooted in a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and a deep conviction of the truth of God's Word? The Pharisees' rhetorical question serves as a timeless warning against spiritual elitism and the danger of allowing pride and self-righteousness to blind us to divine truth. True discipleship often means standing against the tide of popular opinion, even when that opinion is held by those in positions of authority. Our ultimate allegiance must be to Christ alone, regardless of who believes or disbelieves. We are called to seek truth in the Scriptures and through the Holy Spirit, not to conform to the prevailing wisdom of the world or even of religious institutions that may have strayed from the heart of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to prioritize human approval or status over divine truth?**
* **How does the example of the Pharisees challenge my own potential for spiritual pride or self-righteousness?**
* **What does it mean for me to "believe on" Jesus, as opposed to merely believing *about* Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did the rulers and Pharisees refuse to believe in Jesus?**

Answer: Their refusal to believe stemmed from a complex mix of factors, including spiritual blindness, pride, and a deep-seated fear of losing their religious and political authority. They were deeply invested in their traditions and interpretations of the Law, which they felt Jesus was undermining. They also feared the Roman authorities' reaction to a popular Messiah figure, believing it could lead to the destruction of their nation and temple ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - The Council's Fear of Rome")). Their spiritual eyes were closed to the true identity of Jesus, despite the overwhelming evidence of His miracles and profound teachings ([John 12:37-40](/john/12-37-40 "John 12:37-40 - Blindness and Unbelief")).

**Does this verse suggest that all rulers and Pharisees rejected Jesus?**

Answer: While the rhetorical question implies a universal rejection by the elite, the Gospel accounts show that this was not entirely true. Nicodemus, a ruler and Pharisee, secretly came to Jesus at night ([John 3:1-2](/john/3-1-2 "John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus Visits Jesus")), and later defended Him ([John 7:50-51](/john/7-50-51 "John 7:50-51 - Nicodemus's Defense")) and helped bury Him ([John 19:39-40](/john/19-39-40 "John 19:39-40 - Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Bury Jesus")). Joseph of Arimathea was also a prominent member of the Council who was a disciple of Jesus ([Mark 15:43](/mark/15-43 "Mark 15:43 - Joseph of Arimathea")). Later, [Acts 15:5](/acts/15-5 "Acts 15:5 - Believers from the Sect of the Pharisees") mentions "some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed," indicating that a minority did come to faith. However, the dominant stance of the leadership class was indeed one of unbelief and opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:48, with its dismissive rhetorical question from the Jewish leaders, profoundly illustrates the pattern of Christ's rejection by those in power, a theme central to God's redemptive plan. While the Pharisees scornfully declared that no "rulers" or "Pharisees" believed in Jesus, this very rejection was paradoxically part of the divine purpose, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus Himself taught that the wise and understanding of this world would often miss the truth, while it would be revealed to the "little children" ([Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Wisdom Hidden from the Wise")). His authority did not stem from human endorsement or political power, but from His divine sonship and His perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does What He Sees the Father Do")). The cross, the ultimate symbol of His rejection by the world, became the means of salvation for all who, regardless of their status or background, humbly believe "on Him" and entrust their spiritual well-being to Him ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")). Thus, the unbelief of the elite, highlighted in this verse, ultimately serves to magnify the grace of God, who chose the "foolish things of the world to shame the wise" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish")).

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 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:

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

John 7:26

But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

1 Corinthians 2:8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

John 7:50

Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

1 Corinthians 1:22

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: