Devine Scripture

John 7:1

What does John 7:1 mean?

A plain-English look at John 7:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 7:1 means

Jesus remains in Galilee because dangerous hostility in Judæa has risen to the point of a murder plot. His avoidance is not fear, but fidelity to the Father’s timing. John often notes “hour” and “time,” reminding us that Jesus moves according to divine appointment, not human pressure. The verse shows both the reality of growing opposition and the Lord’s deliberate, prudent course. He does not court danger needlessly, nor does He shrink from His mission. For now, He keeps ministering where He is, until the Father indicates the next step. Evil schemes cannot force God’s hand or prevent His purpose.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

After this, Jesus went from place to place in Galilee. He did not go about in Judaea, because the Jews were looking for a chance to put him to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus was walking after these things in Galilee, for he did not wish to walk in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

After these things, Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee, for he would not walk in Judaea, because the Jews sought to kill him.

Context

This opening verse sets the scene after earlier Galilean ministry. Hostility in Judæa is already intense, framing the chapter’s tensions. As the Feast of Tabernacles approaches, Jerusalem will draw vast crowds and sharpen opposition. Understanding Jesus’ strategic presence in Galilee helps readers grasp why His movements in this chapter are measured, sometimes hidden, and later bold. The verse prepares us for the contrast between public expectation and Jesus’ submission to the Father’s timetable, a theme that surfaces repeatedly as the narrative unfolds toward the feast and its controversies.

v.1This passage

v.2Now the feast of the Jews, the feast of tabernacles, was at hand.

Cross references

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

  • John 5:16

    And for this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath.

  • John 10:39

    They sought again to take him: and he went forth out of their hand.

  • John 8:40

    But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I heard from God: this did not Abraham.

  • Matthew 21:38

    But the husbandmen, when they saw the son, said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and take his inheritance.

  • John 4:3

    he left Judæa, and departed again into Galilee.

  • John 8:37

    I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you.

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