John 7:46
What does John 7:46 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:46 means
The officers answer, “Never man so spake.” They were sent to arrest Him but were arrested by His words. This testimony, from men not predisposed to favor Him, carries weight. It highlights the unique authority, clarity, and grace of Jesus’ speech. His words have convicting power and compelling beauty that surpass human teachers. The officers do not make a full confession of faith, but they acknowledge an undeniable reality. Their statement leaves the leaders without a practical justification for the failure to arrest Him, and it exposes a spiritual truth: Jesus’ voice carries divine authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The officers answered, Never man so spake.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The officers answered, Never man so spake.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The servants made answer, No man ever said things like this man.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The officers answered, `Never so spake man--as this man.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The ministers answered: Never did man speak like this man.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The officers answered, Never man spoke thus, as this man [speaks].
Context
This remarkable admission contrasts with the leaders’ hardened skepticism. In the following verse, the Pharisees dismiss the officers as deceived (verse 47), appeal to the disbelief of rulers and Pharisees as a standard (verse 48), and curse the ignorant crowd (verse 49). This escalating contempt frames Nicodemus’s cautious interjection about lawful procedure, which the leaders also scorn (verses 50–52).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 7:28
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:
- John 7:26
And lo, he speaketh openly, and they say nothing unto him. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is the Christ?
- Luke 4:22
And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?
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.