John 7:22 (KJV)

What does John 7:22 mean?

John 7:22 explains that the practice of circumcision, which the Jewish people observe even on the Sabbath, did not originate with Moses but goes back to the patriarchs ("the fathers"). Jesus is pointing out that the law of circumcision sometimes takes precedence over Sabbath rules in Jewish tradition.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience in Jerusalem during a festival, responding to criticism about healing on the Sabbath. He reminds them that they regularly perform circumcision on the Sabbath to keep the commandment given to their ancestors, showing that some laws can override others when necessary.

The Greek behind John 7:22

• "περιτομή" (peritomē, G4061) means "circumcision." Jesus highlights that this ritual is deeply rooted in Jewish identity, predating Moses and tracing back to the patriarchs like Abraham.
• "οὐκ ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ Μωϋσέως" (ouk hoti ek tou Mōuseōs, G3756, G3754, G1537, G3475) — "not because it is of Moses." The Greek here makes clear that circumcision is not originally a Mosaic law but comes from earlier ancestors, which is an important distinction in Jesus' argument.
• "πατέρων" (patērōn, G3962) means "fathers" or "ancestors." This word underlines that the commandment of circumcision is older than Moses, going back to the founding figures of Israel.

Why John 7:22 matters

• John 7:22 clarifies that not all Jewish laws started with Moses; some, like circumcision, are older and rooted in the covenant with Abraham.
• This verse helps explain why certain practices, such as circumcision, are allowed even on the Sabbath, revealing how Jewish tradition sometimes prioritizes one commandment over another.
• The context shows Jesus using this example to challenge his critics' understanding of the law and to defend his actions of healing on the Sabbath, connecting ritual practice to deeper principles.