John 7:11
What does John 7:11 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:11 means
At the feast, the Jews—likely the religious authorities—are actively seeking Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” Their search shows both interest and hostility. They expect Him to appear at this major festival. The question bears a tone of control: they wish to monitor or seize Him. Yet they cannot find Him because He has come secretly. The verse underscores that Jesus is the central figure of the moment; His presence or absence defines the conversation. Despite the leaders’ power, they cannot dictate His movements. He remains sovereign over when and how He will be revealed in Jerusalem.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At the feast the Jews were looking for him and saying, Where is he?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the Jews, therefore, were seeking him, in the feast, and said, `Where is that one?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Jews therefore sought him on the festival day and said: Where is he?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
Context
Having arrived secretly, Jesus is now the subject of intense scrutiny. This verse records the leaders’ search, which is soon matched by the crowds’ murmuring and divided opinions (verses 12–13). The search and the silence of open speech due to fear create a charged atmosphere into which Jesus will step at mid-feast to teach openly (verse 14). The progression from secrecy to public revelation is tightly controlled by Him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:56
They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?
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