John 7:49
What does John 7:49 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:49 means
They declare that the multitude, ignorant of the law, is accursed. This is contempt masquerading as zeal for truth. The leaders claim exclusive competence and write off the people as damned. In doing so, they betray the very law they boast in, which calls for justice, mercy, and truth. Their slur reveals fear of losing control and unwillingness to engage the evidence about Jesus. The denunciation also provides a dark backdrop for the kindness and clarity of Jesus’ words that had moved the officers. Pride isolates; grace invites. Here, pride rules the council’s tone.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But this multitude that knoweth not the law are accursed.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But this multitude that knoweth not the law are accursed.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But these people who have no knowledge of the law are cursed.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but this multitude, that is not knowing the law, is accursed.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But this multitude, that knoweth not the law, are accursed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But this crowd, which does not know the law, are accursed.
Context
Following their appeal to elite unbelief, the leaders anathematize the crowd. The scene is poised for a dissenting voice. Nicodemus—himself a Pharisee who earlier met Jesus—speaks to recall basic legal fairness: hear a man before judging him (verses 50–51). His modest objection exposes the council’s injustice and provokes another wave of scorn (verse 52), revealing deep entrenchment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 9:34
They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
- Isaiah 28:14
Wherefore hear the word of Jehovah, ye scoffers, that rule this people that is in Jerusalem:
- John 9:40
Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind?
- 1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
- James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
- Isaiah 65:5
that say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
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.