Devine Scripture

John 7:10

What does John 7:10 mean?

A plain-English look at John 7:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 7:10 means

When His brothers have gone, Jesus also goes to the feast, but not publicly—He goes in secret. He neither avoids His calling nor recklessly seeks confrontation. This approach allows Him to enter Jerusalem without immediate arrest and to choose the right moment to speak. His secrecy is not deception; it is wise stewardship of His mission amid real danger. He remains free, acting under the Father’s direction. This move prepares for the dramatic moment when He will teach openly. The verse reveals the tension between concealment and disclosure in His ministry—He hides to reveal, and He arrives quietly to later speak boldly.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when his brethren were gone up unto the feast, then went he also up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when his brethren were gone up unto the feast, then went he also up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he went up, not publicly, but in secret.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when his brethren went up, then also he himself went up to the feast, not manifestly, but as in secret;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But after his brethren were gone up, then he also went up to the feast, not openly, but, as it were, in secret.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when his brethren had gone up, then he himself also went up to the feast, not openly, but as in secret.

Context

After initially staying in Galilee, Jesus now travels incognito. The leaders are looking for Him, and the crowds are buzzing with divided opinions. The secrecy sets up the narrative dynamic: He is present, yet not announced. Soon, the leaders’ search and the people’s murmuring (verses 11–13) will precede His public teaching at mid-feast (verse 14). Understanding this transition helps readers track how Jesus manages opposition while still advancing His mission in the city.

v.9And having said these things unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

v.10This passage

v.11The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 4:4

    but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

  • Matthew 3:15

    But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.

  • John 7:5

    For even his brethren did not believe on him.

  • Psalms 26:8

    Jehovah, I love the habitation of thy house, And the place where thy glory dwelleth.

  • Isaiah 42:2

    He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.

  • Psalms 40:8

    I delight to do thy will, O my God; Yea, thy law is within my heart.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 7

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 7.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 7:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary