Bible Commentary

For neither did his brethren believe in him. 5. For neither did his brethren believe in him ] Or, For not even did His brethren (as one would expect) believe on Him. It is marvellous that in the face of this verse any one should have maintained that three of His brethren (James, Simon, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 7:5”

For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, show thyself to the world. 4. there is no man that doeth ] More simply, no man doeth. and he himself seeketh ] i.e. no one does anything in secret and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 7:4”

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 3. His brethren ] See on Joh 2:12. Depart hence ] The bluntness of this suggestion, given almost as a command, shews that they presumed upon their near relationship. It would be … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 7:3”

Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. 2. the Jews’ feast of tabernacles ] Again an indication that the Gospel was written outside Palestine: see on Joh 6:1; Joh 6:4. An author writing in Palestine would be less likely to specify it as ‘the feast of the Jews.’ Tabernacles was the most joyous … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 7:2”

He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. 71. Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon ] The better reading is; Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. If, as seems probable, the name Iscariot means ‘man of Kerioth,’ a place in Judah, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 6:71”

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 70. Have I not chosen you twelve ] Or, Did not I choose you the Twelve (comp. Joh 13:18)? Here probably the question ends: and one of you is a devil is best punctuated without an interrogation; it is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 6:70”

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 69. we believe ] Rather, we have believed: the perfect tense implies that the faith and knowledge which they possess have been theirs for some time past. ‘Are sure’ means literally ‘ have come to know.’ thou art … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 6:69”

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 68. Then Simon Peter ] Omit ‘Then.’ S. Peter, as leader, primus inter pares, answers here as elsewhere in the name of the Twelve (see note on Mar 3:17), and answers with characteristic impetuosity. The firmness of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 6:68”

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 67. the twelve ] The first mention of them; S. John speaks of them familiarly as a well-known body, assuming that his readers are well acquainted with the expression (see on Joh 6:62). This is a mark of truth: all the more so because … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 6:67”

From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 66. From that time ] This may be the meaning, but more probably it means in consequence of that. Hereupon has somewhat of the ambiguity of the Greek, combining the notions of time and result. The Greek phrase occurs here … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 6:66”