Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

JOHN 7:19KJV
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John 7:19 (KJV)

What does John 7:19 mean?

John 7:19 shows Jesus questioning the Jewish leaders about their intentions, pointing out that although Moses gave them the law, none of them truly keeps it, and yet they are seeking to kill him. Jesus is highlighting the gap between their knowledge of the law and their actions.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking publicly during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, addressing the religious leaders and the crowd. He refers to Moses giving the law (the Torah) and challenges the leaders’ claim to righteousness by exposing their failure to follow the law themselves, especially as they plot to kill him, which directly breaks the commandment against murder. This confrontation sets the stage for the tension between Jesus and the authorities throughout this chapter.

The Greek behind John 7:19

  • νόμος (nomos): This word means "law" and refers to the commandments given through Moses. Jesus uses it to point out that having the law is not the same as keeping it.
  • ζητεῖτε (zēteite): Translated as "go about" or "seek," this word shows intentional action. Jesus is not accusing them of a passing thought, but of actively seeking his death.
  • ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai): This word means "to kill." Jesus uses it to directly confront the leaders with the seriousness of their intentions, linking their actions to a clear violation of the law they claim to uphold.

Why John 7:19 matters

  • John 7:19 clarifies that Jesus is not just challenging the leaders’ understanding of the law, but their integrity in following it, especially regarding their plot to kill him.
  • This verse highlights the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities, which is a central theme in John’s Gospel.
  • By referencing Moses and the law, Jesus connects his teaching to the core of Jewish tradition, making his challenge both personal and deeply rooted in their shared history.

Where else these words appear

“kill” Greek G615 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Luke 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
  • Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

“Moses” Greek G3475 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

“about” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?