John 7:43 kjv
So there was a division among the people because of him.
John 7:43 nkjv
So there was a division among the people because of Him.
John 7:43 niv
Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.
John 7:43 esv
So there was a division among the people over him.
John 7:43 nlt
So the crowd was divided about him.
John 7 43 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lk 2:34-35 | "Behold, this child is appointed...for a sign that is spoken against..." | Simeon's prophecy: Jesus causes division. |
| Jn 7:12 | "And there was much muttering about him among the people." | Precursor to direct division, earlier murmuring. |
| Jn 7:40-41 | "When they heard these words...Some said, 'This really is the Prophet!' | Immediate context: varied opinions leading to division. |
| Jn 9:16 | "Some of the Pharisees said, 'This man is not from God...others said, | Religious leaders also divided over Jesus. |
| Jn 10:19 | "There was again a division among the Jews because of these words." | Another instance of division over Jesus' teaching. |
| Mt 10:34-36 | "Do not think that I have come to bring peace...but a sword." | Jesus declares His ministry will bring division. |
| Lk 12:51-53 | "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth?...division." | Jesus clarifies His mission includes spiritual separation. |
| Rom 9:32-33 | "They stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written: 'Behold, I | Jesus as a cause of stumbling for many. |
| 1 Pet 2:7-8 | "To you who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe...a | Jesus is either cornerstone or stumbling block. |
| Is 8:14-15 | "He will be a sanctuary and a stone of offense...a rock of stumbling..." | OT prophecy of Messiah causing some to fall. |
| Is 49:6 | "I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach | Jesus as a universal light also reveals division. |
| Jer 6:21 | "I will put stumbling blocks before this people; fathers and sons..." | God's righteous judgment can cause separation. |
| Acts 14:4 | "But the people of the city were divided, some with the Jews and some | Apostles' ministry also led to societal division. |
| Acts 23:7-10 | "there arose a great dissension, and the assembly was divided." | Paul's testimony dividing Sadducees and Pharisees. |
| Jn 3:18-21 | "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe..." | Truth reveals those who accept or reject light. |
| Jn 12:47-48 | "If anyone hears my words and does not keep them...the word that I have | Jesus' words are the basis for judgment and division. |
| Mk 4:1-20 | Parable of the Sower: Different responses to the word, resulting in division. | Variety of heart responses to God's word. |
| 2 Cor 2:15-16 | "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved | Christ's message brings life to some, death to others. |
| Jude 1:19 | "It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit." | Divisions also arise from ungodly motives. |
| Mt 25:31-46 | Parable of Sheep and Goats: Final ultimate division based on actions toward Christ. | Ultimate judgment separates humanity. |
| 1 Cor 11:18-19 | "I hear that there are divisions among you...must be divisions among you." | Paul acknowledging inevitable divisions among believers. |
John 7 verses
John 7 43 Meaning
John 7:43 describes the immediate outcome of the crowd's intense debate regarding Jesus' identity at the Feast of Booths: a profound split in opinion. The people, comprising various backgrounds and interpretations of the Messiah, were unable to reach a consensus, resulting in factions forming based on their views about Him. This division highlights Jesus as a polarizing figure whose presence inevitably led to differing responses, embodying the prophecy that He would be a sign to be spoken against.
John 7 43 Context
John chapter 7 opens with Jesus, after a period of staying in Galilee, preparing to attend the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem. This festival drew large crowds, creating a prime environment for public discussion and religious ferment. Throughout the chapter, Jesus' identity and claims are fiercely debated among the Jewish leaders, the Temple guards, and the ordinary people (ochlos). The context leading directly to verse 43 includes: Jesus teaching openly in the Temple (vv. 14-24), the authorities attempting to arrest Him (vv. 30, 32), and His claims about living water (vv. 37-38). Verses 40-42 present specific arguments for and against Jesus being the Messiah: some believing Him to be "the Prophet" or "the Christ," while others, especially influenced by prevalent traditions, argue against His Messianic claim based on His supposed Galilean origin, contradicting prophecies about the Messiah coming from Bethlehem and the line of David (Micah 5:2; 2 Sam 7:12-16). Verse 43 directly expresses the outcome of this intense and often conflicting discussion among the common people concerning who Jesus truly was.
John 7 43 Word analysis
- So (οὖν, oun): A conjunctive particle, indicating a consequence or logical conclusion. It signifies that the division spoken of is a direct result or summary of the preceding arguments and reactions concerning Jesus in John 7, particularly the debates in verses 40-42.
- there was (ἐγένετο, egeneto): From the verb γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." It denotes a definite event or development, emphasizing that this division was an actual, concrete occurrence rather than just a sentiment.
- a division (σχίσμα, schisma): This Greek word means "a tear," "a rent," or "a split." In the New Testament, it consistently describes a discernible disunion, usually within a group. It suggests more than a difference of opinion; it implies an active separation into opposing camps. Its usage here highlights the profound and decisive nature of the disagreement regarding Jesus.
- among (ἐν, en): Literally "in" or "amongst." It points to the locus of the division, indicating it was internal to and prevalent throughout the specified group.
- the people (τῷ ὄχλῳ, tō ochlō): Refers to the "crowd" or "multitude." This term often designates the common folk or the masses, as distinct from the religious authorities. The use of the definite article ("the") implies the general populace gathered at the feast, indicating widespread impact and not just a fringe disagreement.
- concerning him (περὶ αὐτοῦ, peri autou): This phrase clarifies the object of the division—Jesus Himself. His person, claims, and actions were the focal point that compelled individuals to align themselves for or against Him. It underscores Jesus' central role as the catalyst for human response.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- So there was a division: This opening phrase succinctly states the inevitable outcome of encountering Jesus' presence and message. The "so" highlights causality – His teachings and identity were bound to create a split. "Division" is the natural, often disruptive, response to divine truth meeting human varied predispositions.
- a division among the people: This phrase points to the wide societal impact of Jesus. It was not merely a disagreement among a few intellectuals or religious elite, but a popular schism permeating the general populace, underscoring His influence on public opinion and the heart of common individuals.
- division among the people concerning him: This phrase pinpoints the precise source and nature of the divide. Jesus is not merely incidental; He is the active catalyst and the very subject over whom people were split. His identity, origin, and claims were so challenging that they fractured the public into opposing factions. This highlights that Jesus, by His very nature and mission, causes separation and compels a definitive response from humanity.
John 7 43 Bonus section
The division seen in John 7:43 is an echo of ancient prophetic expectations that the Messiah would be a stone of stumbling to some while being a cornerstone to others (Is 8:14; Rom 9:32-33; 1 Pet 2:7-8). This specific instance demonstrates the initial societal fracturing that would follow Jesus throughout His ministry and into the early Church. It wasn't just a political or social disagreement; it was fundamentally a spiritual division based on their perception of divine authority and truth, often rooted in misinterpretations of the Scriptures concerning the Messiah's origin. This highlights the paradox: the one sent by God for unity and salvation often serves as the very means of spiritual separation.
John 7 43 Commentary
John 7:43 is a concise summary of the profound impact of Jesus's presence. His words and claims, particularly regarding His Messianic identity, invariably led to deep disagreement among those who heard Him. This verse captures the essence of how divine truth, embodied in Christ, acts as a spiritual filter, revealing the predispositions of the human heart. Some were drawn to Him, discerning prophetic fulfillment; others rejected Him, clinging to traditional interpretations or personal biases. This "schism" (schisma) was not an accidental byproduct but an inherent consequence of the Christ, who Himself declared He came "not to bring peace, but a sword" (Mt 10:34). It anticipates how, throughout history, Jesus would remain the primary dividing line, necessitating a decision of belief or unbelief from every individual. This division continues in differing responses to the gospel, separating those who embrace His truth and follow Him from those who reject or ignore it.