Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

JOHN 2:23KJV
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John 2:23 (KJV)

What does John 2:23 mean?

John 2:23 says that while Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many people believed in him because they saw the miracles he performed. The verse highlights that the crowds were impressed by the signs Jesus did, which led them to put their trust in his name at that time.

In this verse, the writer John is describing events during a major Jewish festival, the Passover, when many people were gathered in Jerusalem. Jesus is the one performing miracles, and the people witnessing these acts respond by believing in him. The verse sets the scene for how Jesus’ public ministry began to attract attention and followers, especially because of the miraculous signs he performed.

The Greek behind John 2:23

  • The word for "believed" is πιστεύω (pisteuō), which often means to trust or have faith in someone. Here, it suggests that the crowd’s belief was sparked by what they saw, not necessarily by deep understanding.
  • The word for "miracles" is σημεῖα (sēmeia), meaning "signs." In John’s Gospel, "signs" are not just wonders but actions that point to something deeper about Jesus’ identity.
  • The phrase "in his name" uses the Greek εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (eis to onoma autou), which can mean putting trust in who Jesus is and what he represents, not just being amazed by what he does.

Why John 2:23 matters

  • John 2:23 clarifies that many people’s initial belief in Jesus was based on witnessing miracles, not necessarily on understanding his message or identity.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel about the difference between surface-level belief and deeper, lasting faith.
  • The mention of "signs" sets up later passages where Jesus challenges people to look beyond miracles and understand who he truly is.

Where else these words appear

“feast” Greek G1859 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
  • John 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
  • John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

“passover” Greek G3957 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
  • Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
  • John 11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

“saw” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: