Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

JOHN 7:14KJV
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John 7:14 (KJV)

What does John 7:14 mean?

John 7:14 describes how, halfway through a Jewish festival, Jesus went up to the temple in Jerusalem and began to teach the people there. This verse marks a turning point in the story, showing Jesus stepping forward publicly during an important religious gathering.

The setting is the Feast of Tabernacles, a major Jewish celebration. Jesus had initially stayed out of sight, but now he openly enters the temple courts and starts teaching. This action draws attention because the temple was the center of religious life, and teaching there was a bold move that would have been noticed by both ordinary people and religious leaders.

The Greek behind John 7:14

  • ἑορτή (heortē, G1859): This word means "feast" or "festival," specifically referring here to the Feast of Tabernacles. The timing highlights the public and significant nature of Jesus’ appearance.
  • ἐδίδασκεν (edidasken, G1321): This verb means "he taught." The Greek form suggests an ongoing action, indicating that Jesus was actively and publicly teaching, not just making a brief statement.

Why John 7:14 matters

  • John 7:14 clarifies that Jesus chose a very public and significant moment to reveal himself and his teaching, rather than acting in secret.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ authority and willingness to teach openly in the temple, a place of great importance for Jewish worship and learning.
  • This moment sets up the tension and discussions that follow in the chapter, as people react to Jesus’ teaching and question his authority.

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 2:23 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 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.

“Now” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

“temple” Greek G2411 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
  • Luke 19:45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
  • Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.