John 7:53
What does John 7:53 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:53 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:53 means
They all go each to his own house. The council disperses without acting. Despite orders, no arrest is made; no verdict is reached. Jesus’ words have arrested the arresters, and God’s timing has restrained violence. The unresolved ending underscores the chapter’s themes: division among the people, the authorities’ frustration, and the Lord’s sovereign control over His hour. It also functions as a pause before the next scene in Jerusalem. For now, the city settles, opinions harden or soften, and the promise of living water lingers in the ears of those who heard.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000[And they went every man unto his own house:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And every man went unto his own house.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901[And they went every man unto his own house:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And every man went to his house;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and each one went on to his house, but Jesus went on to the mount of the Olives.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And every man returned to his own house.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And every one went to his home.
Context
This closing note follows the failed attempts to seize Jesus and the council’s scornful dismissal of Nicodemus. The tension remains high but action is deferred. The feast has ended with Jesus’ great invitation still echoing and the leaders’ hostility deepening. The reader is left expecting further revelation and conflict as Jesus continues His mission in Jerusalem under the Father’s timetable.
v.52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and see that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
v.53This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.
- Psalms 76:5
The stouthearted are made a spoil, They have slept their sleep; And none of the men of might have found their hands.
- Psalms 33:10
Jehovah bringeth the counsel of the nations to nought; He maketh the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect.
- Job 5:12
He frustrateth the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
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.