John 7:26

26 Look! He is talking in public, and they say nothing against him! Can it be that they really know that he is the Messiah?

John 7:26 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:26

But lo, he speaketh boldly
And with great freedom, and openly and publicly in the temple, as if he had a licence from the chief priests for so doing:

and they say nothing to him;
do not contradict him, or forbid him speaking; he goes on without control; though he takes great liberty in charging the Jews with an intention to kill him, in arguing from their practices in vindication of himself, and in suggesting that they judged in favour of men, and not according to the truth of things.

Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
have they changed their minds concerning him, and so their conduct towards him? are they convinced, and do they know by plain demonstrations, and full proof, that he is really the Messiah that has been promised of old, and long expected?

John 7:26 In-Context

24 Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards."
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem said, "Isn't this the man the authorities are trying to kill?
26 Look! He is talking in public, and they say nothing against him! Can it be that they really know that he is the Messiah?
27 But when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from. And we all know where this man comes from."
28 As Jesus taught in the Temple, he said in a loud voice, "Do you really know me and know where I am from? I have not come on my own authority. He who sent me, however, is truthful. You do not know him,
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.