John 7 3

John 7:3 kjv

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

John 7:3 nkjv

His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.

John 7:3 niv

Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do.

John 7:3 esv

So his brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing.

John 7:3 nlt

and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles!

John 7 verses

John 7 3 Meaning

Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him. They wanted Him to go to Judea for the Feast of Tabernacles, likely to expose Him to potential danger from the Jewish authorities, or perhaps to be recognized and vindicated in a public way. Their suggestion was not born of faith, but of doubt and opposition.

John 7 3 Context

This passage occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as Sukkot), a significant annual Jewish festival commemorating the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt. During this feast, Jews lived in temporary shelters (booths or tabernacles) to remember God's provision. Jesus' brothers, seeing the fervor and public nature of the feast, urged Jesus to go to Jerusalem and make a public display of His miracles and claims. Their motive stemmed from their unbelief; they likely expected Jesus to be exposed to danger or discredited by the authorities in Jerusalem, or perhaps they thought a public demonstration would force His hand. This highlights the tension between Jesus' divine mission and the worldly perspectives of His earthly family at this time.

John 7 3 Word Analysis

• "So" (οὖν - oun): This is a conjunctive particle, indicating a result or consequence. It links this statement to a prior thought or situation, suggesting that following some unstated prior event or discussion, His brothers acted on their skepticism.

• "his brothers" (οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ - hoi adelphoi autou): The term "brothers" (ἀδελφοὶ - adelphoi) refers to Jesus' biological brothers, the sons of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus' birth. Some interpretations suggest they were Joseph's children from a previous marriage, or perhaps cousins, but the direct reading indicates younger siblings. This group’s unbelief is a significant point.

  • Significance: The unbelief of Jesus' own family presents a striking contrast to His divine nature and mission. It emphasizes that acceptance of Jesus was not automatic, even for those closest to Him physically.

• "said to him" (εἶπαν πρὸς αὐτόν - eipan pros auton): A simple statement of communication.

• "Leave" (μετάβηθι - metabethi): Imperative mood, present tense, passive voice, suggesting an ongoing or immediate departure. It carries the force of a command or strong suggestion.

• "here" (ἐνθένδε - enthende): From this place; indicating their desire for Jesus to move from His current location (likely Galilee) to Jerusalem.

• "and go" (καὶ ὕπαγε - kai hypage): Another imperative, reinforcing the command to depart.

• "to Judea" (εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν - eis tēn Ioudaian): Judea was the southern region of Palestine, the religious and political center where Jerusalem was located. The Feast of Tabernacles was primarily celebrated there.

• "that your disciples" (ἵνα καὶ οἱ μαθηταί σου - hina kai hoi mathētai sou): The purpose clause. They wanted Jesus to go so that His followers would also see the miracles He was performing.

  • Implication: Their request implies they were aware of His miracles ("the things that you do") but were critical or unconvinced, wanting Him to publicly validate Himself.

• "also" (καὶ - kai): This emphasizes that their intention was for others to witness, not necessarily for His glory alone, but perhaps for His exposure.

• "may see" (βλέπωσι - blepōsi): Present subjunctive, indicating a desired outcome.

• "the things that you do" (à ἐπιτελεῖς - a epiteleis): Referring to His works and miracles.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "Leave here and go to Judea": This entire phrase captures the brothers' attempt to direct Jesus' ministry towards the center of Jewish religious life, but with their own skeptical motives. They are essentially challenging Him to step into the spotlight in Jerusalem.
  • "that your disciples also may see the things that you do": This phrase reveals the nuanced intent. It wasn't simply a plea for His followers to see; it was likely a veiled challenge, expecting that in the more scrutinized environment of Judea, His deeds would either be invalidated or put Him in danger.

John 7 3 Bonus Section

The concept of Jesus’ brothers is a point of theological discussion. While the text clearly states "brothers," tradition within some branches of Christianity (like Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy) interprets "brothers" as referring to cousins or the children of Joseph from a previous marriage, preserving Mary's perpetual virginity. Regardless of the precise familial relationship, their initial lack of belief recorded here serves to underscore the challenging nature of Jesus' ministry and the importance of faith beyond mere biological connection. Their later belief, as seen in Acts 1:14, shows a significant transformation.

John 7 3 Commentary

Jesus' brothers are urging Him to go to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Their motivation is significant: "For not even his brothers believed in him" (John 7:5). This highlights the tension between Jesus' divine identity and the initial incredulity of His own family. Their suggestion to go to Judea, where the religious and political authorities were, was likely not a supportive suggestion, but rather a challenge born out of doubt, perhaps hoping He would either perform grander public works that would vindicate Him, or face severe repercussions that would prove He was not the Messiah they (or perhaps the public) expected. Jesus, knowing their hearts and His own timing, eventually goes, but not immediately and not driven by their agenda. This verse shows a key moment where Jesus' family is still misunderstanding His purpose and identity.