Devine Scripture

John 2:23

What does John 2:23 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:23 means

During the Passover feast, many people in Jerusalem believed in Jesus because they witnessed the "signs which he did." This suggests that Jesus performed other miracles beyond the Temple cleansing, though they are not explicitly detailed here. Their belief was based on observing His power. However, as the subsequent verses imply, this belief, while genuine in its recognition of His miraculous capabilities, may have been superficial, lacking deep commitment or full understanding of His true identity and mission, foreshadowing the challenges of true faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now while he was in Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover, a great number of people came to have faith in his name, after seeing the signs which he did.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And as he was in Jerusalem, in the passover, in the feast, many believed in his name, beholding his signs that he was doing;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now when he was at Jerusalem, at the pasch, upon the festival day, many believed in his name, seeing his signs which he did.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he was in Jerusalem, at the passover, at the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he wrought.

Context

This verse shifts the focus from Jesus' confrontation with the Jewish leaders back to the general populace during the Passover feast. It describes a surge of belief among many due to the signs Jesus performed. This contextualizes Jesus' caution in the following verses, showing that while many were impressed by His power, their faith might not have been fully developed, setting up a crucial distinction about the nature of belief.

v.22When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he spake this; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

v.23This passage

v.24But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

  • John 7:31

    But of the multitude many believed on him; and they said, When the Christ shall come, will he do more signs than those which this man hath done?

  • Luke 8:13

    And those on the rock are they who, when they have heard, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

  • James 2:19

    Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.

  • Matthew 13:20

    And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

  • John 8:30

    As he spake these things, many believed on him.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 2:23.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary