Devine Scripture

John 7:5

What does John 7:5 mean?

A plain-English look at John 7:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 7:5 means

John plainly states that even Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him. Familiarity had not bred faith. They had grown up with Him, seen much, and heard reports, yet remained unconvinced of His true identity and mission. This unbelief explains their earlier counsel: they treated Him as a wonder-worker needing public verification, not as the One sent from the Father. The verse reminds us that faith is not produced by proximity or kinship but by God’s gracious work in the heart, through His word and Spirit. It also highlights how Jesus walked His path often misunderstood, even by those closest to Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For even his brethren did not believe on him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For even his brethren did not believe on him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For even his brothers had no belief in him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for not even were his brethren believing in him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for neither did his brethren believe on him.

Context

After the brothers’ push for publicity (verses 3–4), John reveals their unbelief, clarifying why their advice was misguided. This sets the stage for Jesus’ reply about God’s timing and the world’s hatred (verses 6–7). The contrast between their constant readiness for the spotlight and His submission to the Father will define His movements in the chapter. The narrative is about to pivot from family pressure to Jesus’ deliberate decision-making as the feast unfolds and the controversy in Jerusalem deepens.

v.4For no man doeth anything in secret, and himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world.

v.5This passage

v.6Jesus therefore saith unto them, My time is not yet come; but your time is always ready.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Micah 7:5

    Trust ye not in a neighbor; put ye not confidence in a friend; keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

  • John 7:3

    His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may behold thy works which thou doest.

  • John 7:10

    But when his brethren were gone up unto the feast, then went he also up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.

  • Mark 3:21

    And when his friends heard it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

  • John 1:11

    He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not.

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