John 7:44
What does John 7:44 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:44 means
Some wish to seize Jesus, but again, no one lays hands on Him. The pattern continues: intent meets impotence. The will to arrest is present, but the opportunity is withheld. This restraint flows from God’s sovereignty over Jesus’ hour. The verse also shows that public division complicates enforcement; too many are impressed by Him. The scene closes without resolution, heightening suspense. Human plans remain subject to the divine timeline. Jesus will surrender Himself when the Father’s purpose ripens, not before. Until then, attempts to silence Him fail, leaving the authorities angrier and more determined.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And some of them had a desire to take him; but no man put hands on him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And certain of them were willing to seize him, but no one laid hands on him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And some of them would have apprehended him: but no man laid hands upon him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But some of them desired to take him, but no one laid hands upon him.
Context
Following the crowd’s division, this verse records another failed seizure. The next movement shifts to the authorities’ perspective as officers return empty-handed (verse 45). Their explanation—“Never man so spake”—will expose the unique authority of Jesus and provoke the leaders’ contempt for both the officers and the crowd (verses 46–49).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 27:23
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God whose I am, whom also I serve,
- John 8:20
These words spake he in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man took him; because his hour was not yet come.
- Acts 18:10
for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to harm thee: for I have much people in this city.
- John 7:30
They sought therefore to take him: and no man laid his hand on him, because his hour was not yet come.
- Acts 23:11
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer: for as thou hast testified concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
- John 18:5
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
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