And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

JOHN 7:31KJV
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John 7:31 (KJV)

What does John 7:31 mean?

John 7:31 describes how many people in the crowd believed in Jesus because of the miracles he performed, and they questioned whether the coming Christ could possibly do more miraculous signs than Jesus had already done. The verse shows that Jesus’ actions were convincing enough for many to see him as the promised Messiah.

This moment takes place during a festival in Jerusalem, where there was much debate among the people about who Jesus was. The crowd is not made up of religious leaders but ordinary people, and their reasoning is practical: they see the miracles Jesus has done and wonder if anyone else, even the Christ they are waiting for, could surpass them. Their belief is sparked by what they witness firsthand, not just by teachings or rumors.

The Greek behind John 7:31

  • πιστεύω (pisteuō, G4100): This word means "to believe" or "to trust." Here, it shows that the people’s faith is based on seeing Jesus’ miracles, not just hearing about him.
  • σημεῖον (sēmeion, G4592): This word is translated as "miracles" or "signs." In John’s Gospel, "signs" are important acts that point to Jesus’ identity and mission, not just displays of power.
  • Χριστός (Christos, G5547): This is the Greek word for "Christ" or "Messiah," the anointed one the people were expecting. The crowd is comparing Jesus’ works to what they expect from the Messiah.

Why John 7:31 matters

  • John 7:31 clarifies that not everyone doubted Jesus; many ordinary people were open to believing based on what they saw, even if the religious leaders were skeptical.
  • The verse highlights how the miracles (signs) of Jesus played a key role in convincing people of his identity, showing that faith can be rooted in witnessing God’s work directly.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme in John’s Gospel that Jesus’ signs are meant to lead people to faith, and it sets up the ongoing tension between belief and unbelief throughout the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“do” Greek G3385 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Mark 4:21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
  • John 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

“more” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

“these” Greek G5130 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
  • Acts 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

“miracles” Greek G4592 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
  • Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.