Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
12. murmuring ] Talking in an under tone, not necessarily complaining: see on Joh 6:41; Joh 6:61. Here some are for, and some against Him. ‘Among the people’ should rather be among the multitudes; the word is plural, and this is the only place in the Gospel where the plural is used: the singular ( He leadeth the multitude astray) is common.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Murmuring – Contention, disputing.
He deceiveth the people – That is, he is deluding them, or drawing them away by pretending to be the Messiah.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 12. Some said, He is a good man] The multitude were divided in their opinions concerning him: those who knew him best said, He is a good man. Those who spoke according to the character given him by the priests, c., said, Nay but he deceiveth the people. Those who spoke evil of him spoke out, because they had the rulers on their side; but those who spoke good of him were obliged to do it in private, because they feared these rulers. Calumny and slander are among the privileged orders; they stalk abroad with their thousand brazen mouths, and blast the reputation of the followers of God. Benevolence and candour are only on sufferance; and a whisper in secret is the most they are permitted to give in behalf of Christ and his followers, whose laws and maxims condemn a vicious world, and goad it to revenge.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Our Saviours constant attendance at these public festivals, did not only create an expectation of his being there amongst his enemies, who therefore sought him there, that they might destroy him; but amongst the generality of the people, who had very different opinions about him. Some having heard his doctrine, and hearing nothing from him but what was good and spiritual, tending to show them the way of holiness, and the true path way to eternal life and happiness, concluded that he was a good man; others said he was a mere impostor, one that deceived and cheated the more ignorant common people.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
12. much murmuringbuzzing.
among the peoplethemultitudes; the natural expression of a Jewish writer, indicatingwithout design the crowded state of Jerusalem at this festival[WEBSTER and WILKINSON].
a good man . . . Nay . . .deceiveth the peoplethe two opposite views of His claims, thatthey were honest, and that they were an imposture.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him,…. There was a general whisper, and a private controversy and contention among the people about him, upon inquiry being made after him:
for some said he is a good man; a man of a good principle, of a good life and conversation; and who is good, kind, and beneficent, both to the bodies and souls of men; preaches good doctrine, and does many good things:
others said: nay, or denied him to be a good man:
but he deceiveth the people; drawing them off from the law of Moses, teaching them to break the sabbath, setting himself up for the Messiah, and asserting himself to be the son of God.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Much murmuring ( ). This Ionic onomatopoetic word is from for which verb see John 6:41; John 6:61; John 7:32, for secret displeasure (Ac 6:1) or querulous discontent (Php 2:14).
Among the multitudes ( ). “The multitudes” literally, plural here only in John. These different groups were visitors from Galilee and elsewhere and were divided in their opinion of Jesus as the Galileans had already become (6:66).
A good man (). Pure in motive. See Mark 10:17; Rom 5:7 (absolute sense of God). Superior to . Jesus had champions in these scattered groups in the temple courts.
Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray (, ). Sharp clash in the crowd. Present active indicative of , to go astray (Mt 18:12f.), like our “planets,” to lead others astray (Matt 24:4; Matt 24:5; Matt 24:11, etc.). In the end the rulers will call Jesus “that deceiver” ( , Mt 27:63). The Jewish leaders have a following among the crowds as is seen (7:31f.).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Murmuring. See on 6 41.
The people [ ] . See on 1 19.
Said [] . Imperfect : were saying.
Deceiveth [] . Rev., better, leadeth astray. See on Mr 12:24; Jude 1:13.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And there was much murmuring,” (kai gongusmos en polus) “And there was (occurred or came to be) much murmuring,” whispering, and uncertainty, much unrest among the laity, the worshipping Jewish pilgrims, stirred by the ruling priesthood who had already pledged to kill Him, Joh 11:57.
2) “Among the people concerning him (en tois ochlois peri autou) “In the crowds (huddles of people) concerning him,” because the Jewish synagogue administrators had already established an edict that anyone who confessed that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out, excluded, or excommunicated from the synagogue, and deprived of its benefits of fellowship, worship, and schooling for the children, Joh 9:22.
3) “For some said, He is a good man:” (hoi men elegon hoti agathos estin) “Some said that he is a good (genuine, true-blue) man,” meaning pure in motive, meaning to do good, without actual indictable fault, in either what He says or what He does, Luk 23:4; Luk 23:14-15.
4) “Others said, Nay,” (alloi de elegon ou) “Yet others said, it is not so,” that is not true, being and doing good is not His motive or objective. They were negative, head-shakers, murmurers.
5) “But he deceiveth the people.” (alla plana ton ochlon) “But (they said) he deceives, deludes, or fakes, the crowd,” misleads the masses, Mat 27:63; Luk 23:5; Joh 9:1
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
12. And there was much murmuring. He means that, wherever men were collected in crowds, as usually happens in large assemblies, they held secret conversations about Christ. The diversity of opinion, which is here related, proves that it is not a new evil, that men should differ in their opinions about Christ, even in the very bosom of the Church. And as we do not hesitate to receive Christ, who was formerly condemned by the greater part of his own nation, so we ought to be armed with the same kind of shield, that the dissensions which we see daily may not disturb us. Again, we may perceive how great is the rashness of men in the things of God. In a matter of no importance, they would not have taken so great liberty, but when the question relates to the Son of God and to his most holy doctrine, they immediately hasten to give judgment respecting it. So much the greater moderation ought we to maintain, that we may not thoughtlessly condemn our life with the eternal truth of God. And if the world holds us for impostors, let us remember that these are the marks and brands of Christ, provided that we show, at the same time, that we are faithful. This passage shows likewise that in a great multitude, even when the whole body is in a state of confusion, there are always some who think aright; but those few persons, whose minds are well regulated, are swallowed up by the multitude of those whose understandings are bewildered.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(12) And there was much murmuring among the people.The original word for people is here, and here only in St. John, in the plural, and is best rendered by multitudes. It refers to the throngs of people assembled during the various parts of the ritual of the feast, and, perhaps, specially on the one hand to the Galilean multitude, some of whom had been present at the last great work recorded in this Gospel, and some of whom had been present at other works, and influenced by other teaching of Jesus and the Apostles; and on the other hand, to the Judan multitude, who had been prevented from accepting Him in the same degree by the stronger influence of the hierarchy. Among these multitudes there arose, as before among the Jews and among the disciples (Joh. 6:41; Joh. 6:61), a murmuring; but the subject of this discussion is not His teaching, but His character. Their practical test-question was, Is He a good man, or a deceiver? (Comp. Mat. 27:63.) Some would think of deeds and words which established His goodness beyond all doubt; but if He is a good man, then His claim cannot be false. Others would think of deceivers, who had led away the multitude before (comp. Notes on Act. 5:36-37), and that He was one of them.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
12. The people Among these masses there are of course all shades of opinion. The friends of Jesus would consist of Galileans and scattered inhabitants of Judea, who from the time of John’s and Jesus’s baptisms in the Jordanic region had never forgotten their faith. As the fierce inquiries after Jesus by the Jews are heard, a murmur passes through the crowd. Favorable but feeble assertions are heard that he is a good man; to which the charge of being a popular deceiver is retorted. The friends of Jesus are in a timid minority; and even if they were in a majority the organized force is in the hands of the Jews. A quiet doubtless ensued as the conclusion arose, perhaps from the report of his brothers, that he was not to be present at the feast. Things are in this condition for the first three days of the feast, when an unexpected event takes place.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And there was much murmuring among the crowds concerning him. Some said, “He is a good man”. Other said, “That is not so, but he leads the mass of people astray”. However no man spoke openly of him for fear of the Judaisers.’
Huge crowds would arrive in Jerusalem and its surrounding districts for the Feast of Tabernacles, which was a popular Feast. And there was constant discussion among them. It is clear that Jesus’ ministry had been going on for some considerable time, and indeed was approaching its end, and He was now well known everywhere. They dared not discuss Him publicly, but they did discuss Him in private and there were divided opinions about Him.
Some, on the basis of His works and teaching declared that He was a good man. Others, probably on the basis of what they had been told in the synagogues, declared that He led astray the people. Everyone was talking about Him. But both sides spoke in hushed tones. It was dangerous to be heard talking aloud about Jesus.
It is clear from this that the decision had been made by the religious authorities that He was a dangerous man, and unacceptable to them. Their agreed position was that He must be put out of the way. And to consort with Him, or even to approve of Him, risked punishment from the synagogue. He was a marked man.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
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.
Ver. 12. For some said ] All men were not of a mind concerning Christ. Sooner shall the fingers of their hands be all of a length, than men will be all of a judgment in matters of religion. Nullum bellum citius exardescit, nullum deflagrat tardius quam theologicum, ut sacramentarium. (Bucholcer.)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
12. ] . (the different groups of which was composed) would include the Galilan disciples, and those who had been baptized by the disciples in Juda, whose view would represent, as expressed mildly in protest against His enemies.
, possibly in reference to the feeding of and then the discourse to the multitude, which had given so much offence.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Joh 7:12 . Among the masses ( ) there was regarding Him; not “murmuring,” as R.V [59] , but rather “whispering,” suppressed discussion in low tones, in corners, and among friends; “halblaute Mittheilung entgegengesetzter Ansichten” (Holtzmann), “viel im Volke ber ihn herumgeredet” (Weizscker). Specimens of this talk are given: . “Some said, He is a good man,” , pure in motive and seeking to do good. “But others said, No: but He misleads the multitude” (Mat 27:63 , Luk 23:5 ), that is, seeks to ingratiate Himself with the people to serve His own ends. . “No one, however, talked openly about Him, for fear of the Jews.” Until the Jews, the authorities, gave their decision, neither party dared to utter its opinion openly.
[59] Revised Version.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
murmuring. See note on Joh 6:41
among. Greek. en. App-104.
people = crowds.
concerning. Greek peri. App-104.
said = were saying.
Nay. Greek. ou. App-105.
deceiveth = leadeth astray. Compare Mar 13:5-6; 1Ti 4:1. Jud 1:13.
people = crowd.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
12.] . (the different groups of which was composed) would include the Galilan disciples, and those who had been baptized by the disciples in Juda,-whose view would represent,-as expressed mildly in protest against His enemies.
, possibly in reference to the feeding of and then the discourse to the multitude, which had given so much offence.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Joh 7:12. , murmuring) Their speech not venturing to break out into open expression on either side [for or against Him]. Comp. Joh 7:13, No man spake openly of Him for fear of the Jews. The same word is used, Joh 7:32, The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning Him.- – ) in turb-turbas. So the Latin, interchanging the plural and singular number. [ is the reading of BT and Rec. Text; of [168][169][170][171] Vulg. in [172][173][174] Rec. Text; populum, [175][176][177]; turbas in Vulg.] The plural agrees with the fact, that there was much murmuring: on this and on that side there was a number of persons speaking concerning Jesus. The singular agrees with the opinion as to His deceiving the rabble [mob],-, some) from Galilee most especially, as is evident from the subsequent antithesis, of the Jews [Joh 7:13].
[168] Bez, or Cantabrig.: Univ. libr., Cambridge: fifth cent.: publ. by Kipling, 1793: Gospels, Acts, and some Epp. def.
[169] Vercellensis of the old Itala, or Latin Version before Jeromes, probably made in Africa, in the second century: the Gospels.
[170] Veronensis, do.
[171] Colbertinus, do.
[172] Cod. Basilianus (not the B. Vaticanus): Revelation: in the Vatican: edited by Tisch., who assigns it to the beginning of the eighth century.
[173] Bez, or Cantabrig.: Univ. libr., Cambridge: fifth cent.: publ. by Kipling, 1793: Gospels, Acts, and some Epp. def.
[174] Borgiana: Veletri: part of John: fourth or fifth cent.: publ. by Georgi, 1789.
[175] Vercellensis of the old Itala, or Latin Version before Jeromes, probably made in Africa, in the second century: the Gospels.
[176] Veronensis, do.
[177] Colbertinus, do.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Joh 7:12
Joh 7:12
And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, He is a good man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray.-He had impressed many of the people that he was a good man, sent from God, others that he was a deceiver. [Truth preached always stirs up the opposition and false charges.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
murmuring: Joh 7:32, Joh 9:16, Phi 2:14
some: Joh 7:25-27, Joh 7:40-43, Joh 6:14, Joh 9:16, Joh 10:19-21, Mat 10:25, Mat 16:13-16, Mat 21:46, Luk 7:16
is a: Luk 6:45, Luk 18:19, Luk 23:47, Luk 23:50, Act 11:24, Rom 5:7
deceiveth: Joh 7:47, Joh 7:52, Mat 27:63
Reciprocal: 2Sa 3:25 – that he came Mat 12:32 – whosoever Mat 16:14 – Elias Luk 7:39 – This man Joh 1:9 – every Joh 6:41 – murmured Joh 7:39 – Of Joh 7:43 – General 2Co 6:8 – as Heb 12:3 – contradiction
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2
The people were divided in their sentiments about Jesus; some for and others against him. While his presence was still generally unknown, the conflicting sentiments created an atmosphere of unrest among the crowd. The murmuring was as far as those sentiments exhibited themselves which is explained in the next verse.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Joh 7:12. And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him. Some said, He is a good man: but others said, Hay, but he leadeth astray the multitude. From the Jews the Evangelist turns to the multitudes. Amongst these is eager discussion concerning Jesus; the speculation, the hesitation, the inquiry, were general, but all outward expression was suppressed. The use of the plural multitudes seems to point to crowds rather than individuals as the disputants. The word multitude, however, at the close of the verse is not without a contemptuous force,it is the common crowd that He leads astray: possibly the multitudes of Jerusalem may be the speakers.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Jesus was a controversial subject of conversation at the feast. He provoked considerable "grumbling" (Gr. goggusmos, cf. Joh 6:41; Joh 6:61). Many of the common people from Judea and pilgrims from elsewhere debated His ministry in private, however, suspecting that their leaders opposed Him. According to the Talmud, deceiving the people was a crime punishable by stoning. [Note: Blum, p. 299.] "The Jews" here clearly refers to Israel’s leaders.
This pericope provides background for Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem that follows. It helps the reader sense the atmosphere of public opinion in which Jesus then worked.