John 7:2 kjv
Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand.
John 7:2 nkjv
Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand.
John 7:2 niv
But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near,
John 7:2 esv
Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand.
John 7:2 nlt
But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters,
John 7 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 7:1 | Jesus remained in Galilee | Direct Context |
| John 7:11 | Jews were looking for Jesus at the feast | Fulfillment/Echo |
| John 11:8 | Disciples warned Jesus about the Jews in Judea seeking to stone him | Parallel Situation |
| Psalm 118:10-12 | Enemies surrounded Jesus like bees | Prophetic Fulfillment |
| Psalm 3:7 | Lord, arise and save me, my enemies struck me | Thematic Resonance |
| Isaiah 49:2-3 | Jesus was a hidden arrow, a prince of peace | Messianic Prediction |
| Jeremiah 20:10 | Jeremiah, afraid of persecution, sought protection | Human Frailty/Dependence |
| Acts 8:1 | Saul persecuted the church, scattering believers | Persecution of believers |
| Acts 14:5-6 | Jews plotted to stone Paul and Barnabas | Historical Parallel |
| 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 | Paul's escape from Damascus | Paul's escape parallels |
| Galatians 5:11 | Paul mentions persecution for the cross | Theme of Persecution |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 | The Jews opposed the apostles and prevented preaching | Opposition from Jews |
| Matthew 10:23 | Jesus instructed disciples to flee from city to city | Jesus' instruction |
| Matthew 12:14 | Pharisees plotted to destroy Jesus | Plotting to kill Jesus |
| Matthew 16:21 | Jesus predicted his suffering and death | Prophetic Knowledge |
| John 8:59 | Jesus hid himself from those seeking to stone him | Precedent in John's Gospel |
| John 10:31 | Jews picked up stones to stone Jesus | Past Attempt |
| John 11:53 | Chief priests and Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus | Formal Plotting |
| John 18:20 | Jesus openly taught in public places | Contrasting Public Teach. |
| 1 John 3:13 | Do not be surprised if the world hates you | General principle |
John 7 verses
John 7 2 Meaning
Jesus therefore walked in Galilee, for he would not walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.
John 7 2 Context
This verse immediately follows the declaration that Jesus did not participate in the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem openly, but rather went later in secret. The "Jews" mentioned refers to the religious and political authorities in Judea who were hostile to Jesus' ministry and increasingly sought to arrest or kill him. This hostility stems from Jesus' claims of authority, his Sabbath healings, and his association with tax collectors and sinners, which challenged their established traditions and power. Galilee was a region with a more mixed population and less direct oversight from the Jerusalem establishment, making it a comparatively safer environment for Jesus at this time.
John 7 2 Word Analysis
Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The proper name of the Messiah, signifying "Yahweh is salvation." His presence and actions are central.
therefore (οὖν - oun): Indicates a consequence or result of the preceding events and sentiments, specifically the desire of the authorities to kill him.
walked (περιεπάτει - peripatei): Continual or habitual action, suggesting his continued ministry and movement within Galilee.
in Galilee (ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ - en tē Galilaiā): Refers to the geographical region in northern Israel. This choice of location signifies strategic evasion.
for (γάρ - gar): Provides the reason or explanation for his decision.
he would not (οὐκ ἤθελεν - ouk ēthelen): Expresses his deliberate unwillingness or refusal. It reflects his divine wisdom and timing, not fear.
walk (περιπατεῖν - peripatein): Infinitive, further emphasizing the mode of his action and presence.
in Judea (ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ - en tē Ioudaia): Refers to the region of Judea, which was the center of Jewish religious and political power, and the seat of the opposition.
because (ὅτι - hoti): Introduces the direct cause of his avoidance of Judea.
the Jews (οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι - hoi Ioudaioi): In this context, this likely refers specifically to the leadership and those actively opposing Jesus, rather than the entire Jewish people. It denotes those who sought his destruction.
sought to kill him (ἐζήτουν αὐτὸν ἀποκτεῖναι - ezētoun auton apokteinai): A strong declaration of intent. They were actively looking for opportunities and methods to cause his death.
Jesus therefore walked in Galilee, for he would not walk in Judea: This is a strategic decision based on external threat, demonstrating Jesus' awareness of the danger and his divine prudence in managing His ministry. The contrast between Galilee and Judea highlights a safe haven versus a zone of hostility.
because the Jews sought to kill him: This clause is the critical rationale. It’s not a matter of physical weakness but a divine directive to preserve His life until the appointed time.
John 7 2 Bonus Section
The phrase "the Jews" in this Gospel can be context-dependent. Here, it specifically refers to hostile groups and leaders actively plotting against Jesus, not the entire nation of Israel. Jesus' movement and timing were divinely orchestrated, as His ultimate purpose was to be offered up at the appointed time, not to be apprehended prematurely by His enemies. This period of relative safety in Galilee allowed for continued teaching and discipleship.
John 7 2 Commentary
Jesus prioritized His mission by prudently avoiding the escalating lethal intentions of the Judean authorities. He chose to continue His work in Galilee, a region where He was less actively targeted by the religious establishment, until the divine timetable for His sacrifice arrived. This reflects His wisdom and strategic use of His divine knowledge to fulfill His Father's will.