Keraia
John 7

John 7:51

The Unbelief of the Jewish Leaders · John 7:45–53
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Translations

Modern
“Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”
Traditional
Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
Literal
“Does our law judge the man unless it should first hear from him and know what he does?”
Latin
Numquid lex nostra judicat hominem, nisi prius audierit ab ipso, et cognoverit quid faciat?

Original

Greek
English
“Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”

Notes

John 7:49–51

Nicodemus was likely starting to believe in Jesus (see 3:1–21; 19:38–42). Some leaders claimed that none of the Pharisees believed in Jesus (7:48). They spoke as if only the crowd, whom the leaders believed did not understand the law, supported him.

However, Nicodemus shows that this was not completely true. Not only the people in the crowd, but also some Pharisees were beginning to believe in him.

John 7:45–52

  • The story ends with Jewish leaders feeling frustrated and the people being divided over their opinion of Jesus (compare 7:25–27, 31–32).

  • officers returned: See 7:32.

John 7:1–52

This chapter describes Jesus at the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus used parts of the feast to reveal his true identity to his fellow Jews and to show that he had fulfilled the feast's essential meaning (see 7:37–39; 8:12).

Theme notes and profiles

Nicodemus The Pharisees Encounters with Jesus

Events

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Brothers of Jesus Galilee Jesus Christ, Teachings of John, Gospel of Nicodemus Prophecy Spirit of Jesus Christ

Topics

Courts of Justice: The Judgment of not Given Till Accused Was Heard Jesus, the Christ: Teaches in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles Justice: General Scriptures Concerning Nicodemus: Becomes a Disciple of Jesus Self-Defense: Accused Persons Heard In Trial: The Right of