John 7:6

KJV

Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} Jesus {G2424} said {G3004} unto them {G846}, My {G1699} time {G2540} is {G3918} not yet {G3768} come {G3918}: but {G1161} your {G5212} time {G2540} is {G2076} alway {G3842} ready {G2092}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to them, “My time has not yet come; but for you, any time is right.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore Jesus told them, “Although your time is always at hand, My time has not yet come.

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore saith unto them, My time is not yet come; but your time is always ready.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 7:6, Jesus articulates a profound truth regarding divine timing, responding to His brothers' urging for Him to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in Judea for public display. His declaration, "My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready," highlights the fundamental distinction between His divinely appointed mission, governed by the Father's perfect schedule, and the worldly ambitions and opportune moments that drive human endeavors. This verse underscores Jesus' sovereign control over His destiny and His unwavering alignment with God's preordained plan, contrasting it sharply with the immediate, self-serving readiness of human agendas.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant narrative segment in [John Chapter 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles"), where Jesus is in Galilee, avoiding Judea due to plots against His life. His brothers, who at this point did not yet [believe in Him](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - The Unbelief of Jesus' Brothers"), challenge Him to go to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem to perform miracles and gain public recognition, implying a desire for Him to prove His claims in a more conventional, humanly impressive way. Jesus' response in [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Divine Timing") sets the stage for His eventual, unannounced, and divinely timed arrival at the feast, demonstrating His independence from human expectations and His submission to the Father's will. The dialogue here foreshadows the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, which will culminate in His "hour" of glorification.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, requiring all males to travel to Jerusalem. It was a time of great national celebration, commemorating God's provision during the wilderness wanderings and looking forward to the messianic era. The festive atmosphere often included public displays and teachings, making it a natural setting for Jesus' brothers to suggest He "show Himself to the world" ([John 7:4](/john/7-4 "John 7:4 - Show Yourself to the World")). Their understanding of the Messiah was likely influenced by popular Jewish expectations of a political or military leader who would openly assert His authority. Jesus' refusal to conform to these expectations, and His emphasis on a "time" that was "not yet come," would have been counter-cultural and perplexing to those who did not grasp His divine mission.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Divine Timing") is **Divine Timing** ( _kairos_ ), which is a recurring motif throughout John's Gospel. Jesus consistently refers to "My hour" or "My time" ([John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come"), [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come"), [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Hour to Depart"), [John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - The Hour Has Come for the Son to Be Glorified")), signifying the divinely appointed moment for His crucifixion and glorification. This theme highlights God's **Sovereignty** over all events, particularly the redemptive work of Christ. The verse also underscores the **Contrast Between Divine and Worldly Agendas**, as Jesus' brothers operate from a human, ambition-driven perspective, while Jesus operates solely according to the Father's will. This distinction reveals the **Unbelief of the World** (represented by His brothers at this point) and the **Unique Nature of Jesus' Mission**, which transcends human logic and worldly expediency.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **time (Greek, _kairós'_):** From G2540, this word denotes an occasion, a set or proper time, an opportune moment, or a due season. It is distinct from _chronos_ (chronological time). In this context, Jesus' "time" refers to the specific, divinely appointed season for His public ministry to culminate in His suffering, death, and resurrection—His "hour" of glorification. It signifies not merely a point in time, but a qualitative, decisive period ordained by God.
* **come (Greek, _páreimi'_):** From G3918, meaning "to be near" or "at hand." When Jesus says His time "is not yet come," He is indicating that the divinely appointed moment for Him to act in a public, climactic way, leading to His ultimate sacrifice, has not yet arrived. This emphasizes that His actions are not spontaneous or reactive to human pressure, but are precisely timed according to the Father's will.
* **ready (Greek, _hétoimos'_):** From G2092, meaning "adjusted" or "prepared." When Jesus states, "your time is alway ready," He implies that the opportunities and circumstances for worldly pursuits, ambitions, and self-promotion are always available and accessible to those whose focus is on such things. This readiness contrasts sharply with the specific, divinely constrained timing of His own mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus said unto them,"**: This introductory phrase sets the scene for Jesus' direct response to His brothers' challenge. It indicates a deliberate and authoritative declaration, not a casual remark, underscoring the weight of His words.
* **"My time is not yet come:"**: Jesus declares that His divinely appointed "kairos"—the opportune moment for His full public manifestation leading to His passion and glorification—has not yet arrived. This is a statement of divine sovereignty and Jesus' perfect submission to the Father's schedule, emphasizing that His actions are not dictated by human urgency or expectation.
* **"but your time is alway ready."**: This clause presents a stark contrast. Jesus implies that His brothers, operating from a worldly perspective, are always at liberty to pursue their own ambitions and seize opportunities for human recognition. Their "time" is perpetually available because it is governed by human expediency, not divine appointment, highlighting the difference between a life lived for God's purposes and one lived for self-advancement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast**, setting Jesus' divinely ordained timing against the "always ready" worldly timing of His brothers. This antithesis highlights the fundamental difference between spiritual and secular perspectives, and between God's sovereign plan and human ambition. There is also an element of **Irony** in Jesus' statement; His brothers, who do not believe in Him, urge Him to act, unaware that His true "time" involves suffering and death, not worldly acclaim. The term "time" ( _kairos_ ) itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely chronological duration but a specific, qualitative, and decisive moment of divine purpose and fulfillment, particularly referring to the "hour" of Jesus' passion and glorification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:6 is a pivotal statement that encapsulates the overarching theme of divine sovereignty over the life and ministry of Jesus. It reveals that Jesus' every move, from His incarnation to His crucifixion and resurrection, was meticulously orchestrated by God the Father, unfolding according to a perfect, preordained timetable. This truth profoundly impacts our understanding of God's control over history and salvation. Jesus' refusal to be swayed by human pressure or worldly logic demonstrates His complete obedience and reliance on the Father's will, serving as the ultimate model for discerning and submitting to God's timing in our own lives. It underscores that true spiritual success is not measured by immediate human recognition or expediency, but by faithfulness to God's specific call and schedule.

* [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Response to Mary at Cana") - "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."
* [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come") - "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time") - "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 7:6 offers profound insights for believers navigating the complexities of their own lives. In a world that constantly pressures us to perform, achieve, and seize every perceived opportunity, Jesus' example of waiting on God's perfect timing is a powerful counter-cultural lesson. We are often tempted to rush ahead of God, driven by impatience, ambition, or the fear of missing out. However, Jesus demonstrates that true effectiveness and spiritual fruitfulness stem from discerning and submitting to God's _kairos_—His opportune and appointed season for our actions. This requires deep trust in God's wisdom, patience to wait for His leading, and the humility to set aside our own timelines and desires for immediate gratification or recognition. Reflecting on this verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of dependence on God, understanding that His plans unfold with divine precision, and that His "not yet" is as purposeful as His "now." It challenges us to align our ambitions with His eternal purposes, rather than yielding to the constant readiness of worldly opportunities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rush ahead of God's timing, rather than patiently waiting for His _kairos_?**
* **How does Jesus' example of discerning and submitting to the Father's timing challenge your own approach to decision-making and pursuing opportunities?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater trust in God's perfect timing, even when circumstances seem to demand immediate action?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "my time" and "your time" in this verse?**
Answer: The distinction lies in the nature and source of the "time" (Greek: _kairos_). "My time" refers to Jesus' divinely appointed, opportune moment, specifically the preordained "hour" for His passion, death, and glorification, which is determined by God the Father. This time is not subject to human will or external pressure. In contrast, "your time" refers to the brothers' time, which is "alway ready" because it is governed by human expediency, worldly ambition, and the constant availability of opportunities for self-promotion or seeking recognition. Jesus highlights that their agenda is driven by human desires, while His is driven by divine purpose and a sovereign schedule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:6, with its emphasis on Jesus' divinely appointed "time" (_kairos_), finds its ultimate fulfillment in the entirety of Christ's redemptive work, which unfolded precisely according to God's perfect schedule. From His incarnation, which occurred "when the fulness of the time was come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")), to the commencement of His public ministry when "the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is at Hand")), Jesus consistently operated within the Father's sovereign timing. The "time" that was "not yet come" in [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Divine Timing") ultimately arrived as His "hour" ([John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come")), the climactic moment of His crucifixion and resurrection. This was the _kairos_ for which He was born, the decisive moment when He, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. His resurrection, too, was a divinely appointed _kairos_, demonstrating His victory over death and inaugurating the new creation. Thus, Jesus' life is the supreme example of perfect obedience to God's timing, culminating in the complete fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

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 7:8

Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

John 2:4

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

John 7:30

Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

John 17:1

¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

John 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

John 8:20

These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

Matthew 26:18

And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.