Devine Scripture

John 10:23

What does John 10:23 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:23 means

Jesus walks in the temple, specifically in Solomon’s porch, a colonnade on the temple’s eastern side where teachers often gathered. The detail underscores that His ministry is public, open to scrutiny. He does not avoid the places where questions and challenges arise. As the true Shepherd and Lord of the temple, He moves freely in His Father’s house. This setting invites a formal showdown with the leaders who claim oversight of Israel’s worship. The stage is thus set for a direct exchange about His identity, authority, and the grounds for believing in Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus was walking in the Temple, in Solomon's covered way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the porch of Solomon,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus walked in the temple in the porch of Solomon.

Context

With the festival context established (verse 22), verse 23 places Jesus in a public teaching venue. Immediately in verse 24, the leaders surround Him and demand clarity about whether He is the Christ. This scene will produce a rich declaration of Jesus’ relationship to His sheep (verses 25–29) and culminate in the staggering claim, “I and the Father are one” (verse 30), which triggers an attempt to stone Him (verse 31).

v.22And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:

v.23This passage

v.24The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 5:12

    And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people: and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

  • Acts 3:11

    And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

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