Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

JOHN 7:25KJV
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John 7:25 (KJV)

What does John 7:25 mean?

John 7:25 records some people from Jerusalem noticing Jesus and asking if he is the one that the authorities are trying to kill. This verse shows that there was public awareness and discussion about the leaders’ intentions toward Jesus.

The people speaking are local residents of Jerusalem, not visitors. They are reacting to seeing Jesus teaching openly during a festival, even though they have heard rumors that the religious leaders want to kill him. Their question highlights the tension and danger surrounding Jesus at this point in the story.

The Greek behind John 7:25

  • ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai, "kill"): This Greek word means "to kill" or "to put to death." Its use here underlines the seriousness of the threat Jesus faced, not just opposition but actual plans for his death.
  • ζητεῖν (zētein, "seek"): This word means "to seek" or "to look for." In this context, it often carries the idea of actively plotting or searching for an opportunity, showing the leaders’ intent was not passive but deliberate.

Why John 7:25 matters

  • This verse clears up that the plot against Jesus was not a secret; even ordinary people in Jerusalem knew about it, which shows how tense the situation had become.
  • John 7:25 helps explain why Jesus’ public teaching was so surprising and bold, given the known danger.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the crowd’s confusion and debate about Jesus’ identity and the authorities’ actions, which continues throughout the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“Jerusalem” Greek G2415 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

“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:

“seek” 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?