Devine Scripture

John 7:22

What does John 7:22 mean?

A plain-English look at John 7:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 7:22 means

Jesus notes that Moses gave circumcision—though its origin predates Moses with the fathers—and that they circumcise on the Sabbath. This practice shows they recognize that covenantal obligations can rightly take precedence over strict Sabbath rest. The point is not to abolish the Sabbath but to reveal that acts serving God’s covenant purposes are fitting even on that day. By reminding them of their own tradition, Jesus removes the basis for condemning His healing as unlawful. If they allow a surgical sign of covenant on the Sabbath, how much more should a restorative act be welcomed?

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Moses hath given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Moses hath given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Moses gave you circumcision--not that it comes from Moses, but from the fathers--and even on the Sabbath you give a child circumcision.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because of this, Moses hath given you the circumcision--not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers--and on a sabbath ye circumcise a man;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore, Moses gave you circumcision (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers): and on the sabbath day you circumcise a man.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Therefore Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and ye circumcise a man on sabbath.

Context

Jesus builds common ground by acknowledging their accepted Sabbath practice. He prepares to draw an a fortiori conclusion: if a partial work like circumcision is permitted to uphold the Law, then a work that makes a person entirely well should be celebrated, not condemned (verse 23). The argument culminates in a call to righteous judgment beyond superficiality (verse 24).

v.21Jesus answered and said unto them, I did one work, and ye all marvel because thereof.

v.22This passage

v.23If a man receiveth circumcision on the sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken; are ye wroth with me, because I made a man every whit whole on the sabbath?

Cross references

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

  • Leviticus 12:3

    And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

  • Genesis 17:10

    This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee: every male among you shall be circumcised.

  • Galatians 3:17

    Now this I say: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law, which came four hundred and thirty years after, doth not disannul, so as to make the promise of none effect.

  • Romans 4:9

    Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness.

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