John 7:40
What does John 7:40 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:40 means
Hearing Jesus’ words, some in the crowd say, “This is of a truth the prophet,” referring to the expected prophet like Moses. They hear authority and revelation that echo Moses’ role and promises. Their identification shows progress, yet stops short of confessing Him as the Christ. It reflects an awareness that God had promised a singular, Spirit-filled spokesman. The verse portrays the stirring effect of Jesus’ invitation: it awakens Scriptural hopes. Yet the crowd remains divided, revealing how partial understandings can both guide toward truth and, if clung to, limit full recognition of who Jesus is.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When these words came to their ears, some of the people said, This is certainly the prophet.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Many, therefore out of the multitude, having heard the word, said, `This is truly the Prophet;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Of that multitude therefore, when they had heard these words of his, some said: This is the prophet indeed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[Some] out of the crowd therefore, having heard this word, said, This is truly the prophet.
Context
After the promise of living water and John’s explanation about the Spirit, the crowd’s opinions crystallize. One group recognizes a prophetic fulfillment, while others will assert He is the Christ (verse 41). Still others raise objections based on His Galilean association and Scripture’s promise about Davidic lineage and Bethlehem (verses 41–42). These competing assessments lead to open division (verse 43).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 21:11
And the multitudes said, This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.
- John 6:14
When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.
- John 1:21
And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.