Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

JOHN 7:2KJV
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John 7:2 (KJV)

What does John 7:2 mean?

John 7:2 states that the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was approaching. This sets the timing for the events that follow, showing that what happens next takes place during an important religious festival.

In the Gospel of John, this verse is part of a narrative about Jesus and his interactions with people during major Jewish feasts. The Feast of Tabernacles, also called Sukkot, was a week-long celebration when many Jews traveled to Jerusalem. Mentioning this festival signals to the reader that the coming events are tied to a time of large gatherings and religious significance.

The Greek behind John 7:2

  • ἑορτή (heortē, "feast"): This word refers to a festival or religious celebration. Here, it points to a specific, well-known festival in Jewish life, making it clear that the timing is not random but connected to a major event.
  • σκηνοπηγία (skēnopēgia, "tabernacles"): This term literally means "booth" or "tent," referring to the temporary shelters people built during the festival. It highlights the historical and cultural background, reminding readers that this was a time of remembering the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.

Why John 7:2 matters

  • John 7:2 clarifies the timing and context for the following chapters, helping readers understand why there were crowds in Jerusalem and why Jesus’ actions drew so much attention.
  • The mention of the Feast of Tabernacles connects Jesus’ ministry to Jewish traditions and festivals, which is a recurring theme in John’s Gospel.
  • Knowing this background helps explain the tension and public debates that arise in the next verses, as religious festivals were times of heightened expectation and discussion among the people.

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.

“hand” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.