John 10:22
What does John 10:22 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:22 means
The mention of the Feast of Dedication situates the next exchange historically and theologically. This winter festival commemorated the temple’s rededication after defilement. Against this backdrop of purity and true worship, Jesus—God’s true sanctuary—will confront leaders about authentic faith and leadership. The setting in Jerusalem ensures visibility and heightens tension. It also links the themes of light and consecration to His mission. The time note, “it was winter,” foreshadows the growing chill of opposition. Yet even in a season of hostility, the Shepherd walks among His people, ready to speak plainly to seeking and stubborn hearts alike.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then came the feast of the opening of the Temple in Jerusalem: it was winter;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the dedication in Jerusalem came, and it was winter,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now the feast of the dedication was celebrating at Jerusalem, and it was winter.
Context
Having recorded the divided reactions (verses 19–21), John marks a shift to a new occasion—the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. Verse 22 prepares for verse 23’s detail that Jesus was in Solomon’s porch, a public colonnade. There, in verses 24–30, the leaders press Jesus for a clear statement of His identity, and He responds by pointing to His works, identifying His sheep, granting promises of eternal security, and declaring His oneness with the Father.
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