Devine Scripture

John 7:3

What does John 7:3 mean?

A plain-English look at John 7:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 7:3 means

Jesus’ brothers push Him to leave Galilee and go to Judæa so His works can be seen by a larger audience, including disciples there. Their counsel reflects a worldly logic: if you have power, showcase it where it matters most. They treat Jesus like a public figure needing better exposure rather than the Son sent on a divine mission. Their tone suggests impatience and misunderstanding of His purpose. They assume visibility equals validation. But Jesus does not seek fame; He seeks the Father’s will. Their challenge exposes a gap between outward familiarity with Him and true faith that understands His timing and calling.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may behold thy works which thou doest.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may behold thy works which thou doest.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So his brothers said to him, Go away from here into Judaea so that your disciples may see the works which you do.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

his brethren, therefore, said unto him, `Remove hence, and go away to Judea, that thy disciples also may behold thy works that thou dost;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And his brethren said to, him: Pass from hence and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see thy works which thou dost.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

His brethren therefore said to him, Remove hence and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see thy works which thou doest;

Context

With the feast near, pressure builds for Jesus to appear in Jerusalem. Verses 3–5 show even His brothers misread Him, which explains Jesus’ careful response about timing in the next verses. The push for public display contrasts with the danger noted in verse 1, heightening tension: will He go, and if so, how? This exchange sets up the theme of wrong expectations about Messiahship and prepares for Jesus’ decision to go later, but not in the way or at the time His brothers suggest.

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

v.3This passage

v.4For no man doeth anything in secret, and himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world.

Cross references

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

  • John 7:5

    For even his brethren did not believe on him.

  • 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.

  • Mark 3:31

    And there come his mother and his brethren; and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him.

  • Acts 2:14

    But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words.

  • Matthew 22:16

    And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men.

  • Jeremiah 12:6

    For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; even they have cried aloud after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

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