John 7:43
What does John 7:43 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:43 means
Division arises among the multitude because of Jesus. His presence and claims force a choice, and the crowd splits. Some see a prophet, some the Christ, others a deceiver. The verse underscores that Jesus does not leave people neutral; He becomes the line of separation. This division, however, does not signal failure. It reveals hearts and prepares the way for clearer revelation and deeper commitment among those who believe. It also explains why the authorities face a restless crowd they cannot easily control, even as they attempt to suppress Jesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So there arose a division in the multitude because of him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So there was a division among the people because of him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So there arose a division in the multitude because of him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So there was a division among the people because of him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A division, therefore, arose among the multitude because of him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So there arose a dissension among the people because of him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890There was a division therefore in the crowd on account of him.
Context
After debates about prophecy and geography, the people fracture into camps. The next verse notes renewed efforts by some to seize Jesus, still thwarted (verse 44). This unresolved division frames the report the officers will bring back to the chief priests and Pharisees, confessing the unparalleled power of Jesus’ speech (verses 45–46), which further frustrates the leaders.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 9:16
Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them.
- Luke 12:51
Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
- Matthew 10:35
For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law:
- Acts 14:4
But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
- John 10:19
There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.
- John 7:12
And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, He is a good man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray.
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