John 8 2

John 8:2 kjv

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

John 8:2 nkjv

Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.

John 8:2 niv

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.

John 8:2 esv

Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.

John 8:2 nlt

but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them.

John 8 verses

John 8 2 Meaning

John 8:2 describes Jesus' regular pattern of public ministry, establishing His presence in the central hub of Jewish life and worship. He demonstrated commitment and diligence by returning to the Temple early in the morning, where He was accessible to the multitudes who gathered to hear His teachings. This verse sets the scene for the day's events, emphasizing Jesus' role as a readily available and authoritative teacher, dedicated to imparting divine truth to all who sought it.

John 8 2 Context

John chapter 8:2 continues the narrative flow from John 7, which concluded with intense division over Jesus' identity and the Jewish authorities' failure to arrest Him. John 8:1 notes Jesus spent the night on the Mount of Olives, perhaps in prayer or solitary rest, creating a contrast to the bustling activity of the following morning. His return to the Temple in John 8:2 underscores His unwavering commitment to His public ministry despite the mounting opposition. The Temple complex was the epicentre of Jewish life—religious, social, and legal. It was a common place for rabbis to teach and for people to gather and learn. This specific setting and Jesus' teaching posture ("he sat down") indicate a deliberate, authoritative, and public instruction, accessible to all, laying the groundwork for the immediate events with the woman caught in adultery and subsequent debates about His identity.

John 8 2 Word analysis

• Early in the morning (πρωΐ, proi): This detail signifies Jesus' discipline, dedication, and diligence in His ministry. It implies a conscious choice to engage with the people at the outset of the day, reflecting a pattern of rising early seen in other Gospel accounts of His devotion and activity (e.g., Mk 1:35).
• he came again (πάλιν ἦλθεν, palin ēlthen): The word "again" (πάλιν) emphasizes the habitual nature of Jesus' presence and teaching in the Temple courts. It was not a sporadic visit but a consistent practice, signifying His commitment to instructing the people at a central location known for religious assembly.
• to the temple (εἰς τὸ ἱερόν, eis to hieron): This refers to the entire Temple precinct, specifically the outer courts accessible to all, not just the inner sanctuary. This was the traditional public square for religious discourse, open teaching, and interaction among people from all walks of life. Jesus chose this venue for its public accessibility and central importance in Jewish life.
• All the people (πᾶς ὁ λαός, pas ho laos): This highlights the vast numbers and the diverse social makeup of those who eagerly sought Jesus. It suggests His widespread popularity among the common folk and their thirst for His words, contrasting sharply with the antagonism of the religious elite.
• came to him (ἤρχοντο πρὸς αὐτόν, ērchonto pros auton): This shows their intentional seeking. They actively gathered around Him, indicating a readiness to listen and engage with His teaching. It portrays their responsiveness to His presence and message.
• and he sat down (καὶ καθίσας, kai kathisas): Sitting was the customary posture of a Jewish rabbi or teacher when instructing. It conveyed authority, seriousness, and preparedness for formal, extensive teaching. It marked a deliberate moment of instruction rather than a casual conversation.
• and began to teach them (ἐδίδασκεν αὐτούς, edidasken autous): The imperfect tense of "taught" (ἐδίδασκεν) denotes an ongoing or continuous action. It means "He kept on teaching them" or "He customarily taught them," emphasizing that teaching was His primary activity and ministry. This verb highlights His core mission—to reveal divine truth.
• Grouped phrases analysis:
  • "Early in the morning he came again to the temple": This phrase paints a picture of Jesus' consistent, dedicated, and public ministry in the heart of Jewish life, demonstrating His availability and steadfastness.
  • "All the people came to him, and he sat down and began to teach them": This describes the interactive nature of Jesus' ministry—the masses seeking Him out, and He, in turn, assuming the authoritative role of a teacher to impart spiritual instruction. It shows His willingness to engage the common people directly.

John 8 2 Bonus section

The scene described in John 8:2 stands in stark contrast to the preceding verse, John 8:1, which depicts Jesus spending the night in quiet solitude on the Mount of Olives. This swift transition from private devotion and perhaps contemplation to public engagement demonstrates the balance in Jesus' life between personal communion with God and active ministry among humanity. His presence in the bustling Temple courts also signifies a prophetic fulfillment, as the Temple was meant to be a place of encounter with God, and now the Incarnate God Himself was teaching there. Furthermore, the immense draw of "all the people" to Jesus, hanging on His words (Lk 19:48), contrasts with the hardened hearts and calculating motives of the Jewish leaders who would soon confront Him in this very space. This verse subtly highlights Jesus' divine wisdom, which captivated the multitudes, and implicitly challenged the traditional authority structures.

John 8 2 Commentary

John 8:2 succinctly encapsulates Jesus' devoted and public ministry, serving as the setting for the dramatic events that follow. His diligent return to the Temple "early in the morning" underscores His unwavering commitment to His calling and the accessibility of His message. The "temple" as a teaching venue highlights His intention to reach the broadest possible audience, inviting "all the people" into His sphere of influence, irrespective of their status or background. His posture of "sitting down" was the established stance of a rabbi, signifying His authoritative and intentional delivery of spiritual truth. The ongoing action implied by "began to teach them" indicates that imparting divine wisdom was Jesus' central mission, constantly drawing those hungry for understanding. This verse presents Jesus not as one hiding from conflict, but as a bold and consistent purveyor of truth in the public square, attracting the very people the religious leaders sought to control or disregard.