John 7:25
What does John 7:25 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:25 means
Some Jerusalemites, more informed than visiting pilgrims, recognize Jesus as the one the authorities want to kill. Their awareness exposes the earlier crowd’s ignorance and confirms Jesus’ charge of a murder plot. The verse shows how public knowledge in the city differs from provincial hearsay. It also heightens the tension: even as Jesus teaches openly, danger surrounds Him. This recognition forces a question—how can He speak so boldly if leaders truly want Him dead? The conspicuous lack of immediate action suggests restraint, confusion, or a hand greater than human authority at work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Some therefore of them of Jerusalem said, Is not this he whom they seek to kill?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Some therefore of them of Jerusalem said, Is not this he whom they seek to kill?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then some of the people of Jerusalem said, Is not this the man whose death is desired?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Certain, therefore, of the Jerusalemites said, `Is not this he whom they are seeking to kill?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Some therefore of Jerusalem said: Is not this he whom they seek to kill?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Some therefore of those of Jerusalem said, Is not this he whom they seek to kill?
Context
Following Jesus’ call for righteous judgment, locals reveal the reality of the leaders’ hostility. The next verse presses the puzzle: Jesus speaks openly, yet no one stops Him—could the rulers know He is the Christ (verse 26)? This moment sparks debate about messianic origins (verse 27) and opens the way for Jesus’ declaration about being sent by the One they do not know (verses 28–29).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 7:10
But when his brethren were gone up unto the feast, then went he also up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.
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