John 7:50

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Nicodemus {G3530} saith {G3004} unto {G4314} them {G846},(he that came {G2064} to Jesus {G846} by {G4314} night {G3571}, being {G5607} one {G1520} of {G1537} them {G846},)

Complete Jewish Bible

Nakdimon, the man who had gone to Yeshua before and was one of them, said to them,

Berean Standard Bible

Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked,

American Standard Version

Nicodemus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being one of them),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:50 reintroduces Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, at a critical juncture during the Feast of Tabernacles. This parenthetical remark serves to remind the reader of his earlier, clandestine visit to Jesus and highlights his unique, evolving position among the hostile religious authorities who are actively seeking to condemn Jesus. His unexpected intervention underscores the internal divisions within the Jewish leadership and foreshadows his growing, albeit cautious, alignment with Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a highly charged exchange between the Jewish religious leaders and the temple guards they had dispatched to arrest Jesus. The guards return empty-handed, profoundly impacted by Jesus's teaching, declaring, "Never man spake like this man" ([John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - Officers Impressed by Jesus's Teaching")). This infuriates the Pharisees, who scorn the officers and disparage the common people for believing in Jesus, asserting that no ruler or Pharisee would do so ([John 7:47-49](/john/7-47-49 "John 7:47-49 - Pharisees' Scorn and Dismissal")). It is precisely at this moment of escalating hostility and prejudiced judgment that Nicodemus, "being one of them," boldly interjects, challenging their unlawful proceedings. His question in [John 7:51](/john/7-51 "John 7:51 - Nicodemus's Question") appeals to due process, momentarily disrupting their unified front against Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, a time of great national fervor and pilgrimage. The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body, held immense power and was largely composed of Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, viewed Jesus as a threat to their authority and interpretation of the Law. Jewish legal procedure, rooted in the [Mosaic Law](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Law of Two or Three Witnesses"), required a fair hearing and testimony from witnesses before a person could be condemned. Nicodemus's intervention, therefore, is not merely a personal opinion but a direct appeal to the very legal principles that the Sanhedrin was supposed to uphold, highlighting their hypocrisy in seeking to condemn Jesus without proper investigation. His status as "one of them" makes his challenge particularly poignant and risky.
* **Key Themes:** Nicodemus's reintroduction contributes to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **growing division** among the Jewish leadership regarding Jesus, showing that not all were uniformly hostile; some, like Nicodemus, harbored questions or even nascent faith. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **light versus darkness** and **truth versus prejudice**. Nicodemus, who initially came to Jesus "by night" ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus Comes to Jesus by Night")), is now beginning to step, however cautiously, into the light of public advocacy. His appeal for justice contrasts sharply with the prejudiced judgment of his colleagues, echoing the broader Johannine theme that those who reject Jesus do so out of a love for darkness rather than light ([John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Love Darkness Rather Than Light")). Finally, it exemplifies the **evolving nature of faith and discipleship**, demonstrating that a journey of conviction can be gradual, moving from private inquiry to public, albeit still reserved, advocacy, as seen later in [John 19:39](/john/19-39 "John 19:39 - Nicodemus Assists in Jesus's Burial").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nicodemus (Greek, _Nikódēmos'_):** From "victory" (νῖκος) and "people" (δῆμος), meaning "victorious among his people." This name is ironic in the context of his peers' hostility towards Jesus, as his "victory" here is in upholding justice, not in conforming to the Sanhedrin's prejudiced consensus. He is identified as a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews in [John 3:1](/john/3-1 "John 3:1 - Nicodemus, a Ruler of the Jews"), emphasizing his high status and the significance of his intervention.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come or go" in a variety of applications, literal and figurative. Here, it specifically refers to his prior, deliberate act of seeking out Jesus. The perfect participle "he that came" (ὁ ἐλθὼν) emphasizes a past action with continuing relevance, reminding the reader of the foundational encounter that shaped Nicodemus's perspective and distinguishes him from his colleagues.
* **one (Greek, _heîs'_):** A primary numeral meaning "one" or "a certain" person. In this context, "being one of them" (ὢν ἐξ αὐτῶν) highlights Nicodemus's membership in the very group that is condemning Jesus. This emphasizes the internal division within the Sanhedrin and makes his courageous stand all the more remarkable, as he is challenging his own peers and risking his standing among them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nicodemus saith unto them,"**: This clause immediately identifies the speaker, a significant figure previously introduced in John's narrative. His act of speaking out is presented as a direct address to the other Pharisees and chief priests, who have just expressed their contempt for Jesus and anyone who might believe in Him. This signifies a challenge to their collective, prejudiced stance.
* **"(he that came to Jesus by night,"**: This parenthetical phrase serves as a crucial identifier for the reader, recalling Nicodemus's initial, secret visit to Jesus in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus's Encounter with Jesus"). The mention of "by night" underscores his initial caution and fear of public association with Jesus, setting up a contrast with his current, more public (though still cautious) intervention. It also implies a deeper, personal connection to Jesus that his colleagues lack.
* **"being one of them,)"**: This concluding parenthetical phrase emphasizes Nicodemus's unique position. He is not an outsider but an insider, a member of the very council that seeks to condemn Jesus. This highlights the internal dissent within the Sanhedrin and makes his subsequent appeal for justice all the more impactful, as it comes from within their own ranks.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Parenthesis** or **Aside**, a narrative technique where the author inserts explanatory or supplementary information that interrupts the main flow of the narrative but provides crucial context. The phrase "(he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)" is a direct aside from the narrator, John, to the reader. This device serves to immediately identify Nicodemus, recall his significant prior encounter with Jesus (from [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus's Encounter with Jesus")), and underscore the dramatic irony of his position: a secret disciple now challenging his openly hostile colleagues from within their own ranks. This parenthetical remark also contributes to **Character Development**, showing Nicodemus's gradual growth in conviction and courage, moving from a clandestine seeker to a cautious advocate, foreshadowing his later, more open acts of discipleship. There is also an element of **Irony** in his name, Nicodemus ("victorious among his people"), as he stands against the prevailing opinion of his people's leaders, seeking true justice rather than popular approval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:50 is a powerful illustration of how God works through unexpected individuals and circumstances to advance His purposes, even amidst intense opposition. Nicodemus's intervention, though seemingly small, highlights the tension between human prejudice and divine justice. It reveals that even within systems designed to uphold righteousness, corruption and bias can prevail, necessitating voices of integrity. Theologically, it reminds us that true judgment belongs to God, and human attempts to condemn without proper discernment often stem from ignorance or malice rather than truth. Nicodemus's journey also reflects the often-gradual process of spiritual transformation, from a hesitant seeker to a courageous, albeit cautious, advocate for truth, demonstrating that faith can mature over time.

* [John 3:1-21](/john/3-1-21 "John 3:1-21 - Nicodemus's Night Visit to Jesus and the New Birth") - This passage details Nicodemus's initial, secret encounter with Jesus, providing the foundation for the parenthetical remark in John 7:50 and illustrating his early spiritual curiosity.
* [John 19:39-42](/john/19-39-42 "John 19:39-42 - Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Bury Jesus") - This later passage shows Nicodemus's faith more openly displayed as he assists in Jesus's burial, demonstrating the full trajectory of his evolving discipleship.
* [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16-17 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Moses's Instructions on Impartial Judgment") - This Old Testament law underscores the principle of fair judgment and hearing both sides, which Nicodemus appeals to in the subsequent verse, highlighting the hypocrisy of the Sanhedrin.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nicodemus's courageous, albeit cautious, intervention serves as a profound example for believers today. In a world often characterized by groupthink, prejudice, and the rush to judgment, his actions call us to cultivate moral courage and integrity. We are challenged to speak up for truth and justice, even when it means standing against the prevailing tide of opinion, especially within our own communities or professional circles. His story also reminds us that the journey of faith is often a process of growth, moving from initial curiosity to deeper conviction and, eventually, to more public expressions of allegiance. We should not despise small beginnings or hidden acts of faith, as they can lead to significant impact. Furthermore, Nicodemus's appeal to legal principles reminds us of the importance of due process and fair hearing in all aspects of life, urging us to resist the temptation to condemn others based on hearsay or prejudice, but rather to seek understanding and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to speak up for truth or justice, even if it means standing against popular opinion or the views of my peers?**
* **How does Nicodemus's gradual journey of faith encourage me in my own spiritual walk, especially when I feel hesitant or fearful?**
* **Am I quick to judge others based on incomplete information or preconceived notions, or do I seek to understand and uphold principles of fairness and due process?**

### FAQ

**Who was Nicodemus, and why is his past visit to Jesus mentioned here?**

Answer: Nicodemus was a prominent Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. He is first introduced in [John 3:1-21](/john/3-1-21 "John 3:1-21 - Nicodemus's Night Visit to Jesus and the New Birth"), where he came to Jesus "by night" to inquire about His teachings. The mention of his past visit in [John 7:50](/john/7-50 "John 7:50 - Nicodemus's Intervention") serves as a crucial narrative reminder for the reader, highlighting that Nicodemus is not just any Pharisee but one who has had a personal, albeit secret, encounter with Jesus. This context explains his unique perspective and willingness to challenge his colleagues, suggesting a nascent faith or at least a deep curiosity that sets him apart from the other hostile leaders.

**What was the significance of Nicodemus's intervention in this context?**

Answer: Nicodemus's intervention was highly significant because it came from within the Sanhedrin itself, the very body that was seeking to condemn Jesus. At a moment when the chief priests and Pharisees were united in their anger and prejudice against Jesus, Nicodemus appealed to the fundamental principles of Jewish law, specifically the requirement for a fair hearing before condemnation ([Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16-17 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Instructions on Impartial Judgment")). His question, "Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?" ([John 7:51](/john/7-51 "John 7:51 - Nicodemus's Question")), exposed the hypocrisy of his colleagues and momentarily disrupted their plans to unjustly arrest or condemn Jesus. It showcased courage, integrity, and a commitment to justice amidst widespread prejudice, revealing a hidden division among the Jewish leaders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nicodemus's cautious yet courageous intervention in [John 7:50](/john/7-50 "John 7:50 - Nicodemus's Intervention") points to Christ in several profound ways. His appeal for a just hearing, rooted in the Mosaic Law, foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of divine justice, who would Himself be unjustly condemned, yet perfectly fulfill the Law's demands. Nicodemus's journey from a secret seeker "by night" to a public, albeit reserved, advocate reflects the transforming power of Christ's light, which progressively draws individuals out of darkness into truth ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Men Love Darkness Rather Than Light")). Ultimately, Nicodemus's small act of speaking truth to power, even within a hostile environment, anticipates the greater victory of Christ's kingdom, which often grows through seemingly insignificant acts of faithfulness by those who dare to stand for Him. His later, more open act of assisting in Jesus's burial ([John 19:39-42](/john/19-39-42 "John 19:39-42 - Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Bury Jesus")) further reveals that the seed of faith planted by Christ, even in the most unlikely of hearts, will ultimately bear fruit, demonstrating the Lord's power to draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Will Draw All People to Himself")).

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 19:39

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight].

John 3:1

¶ There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

John 3:2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.