John 7:20

20 The people answered and said, "Thou hast a devil. Who goeth about to kill thee?"

John 7:20 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:20

The people answered and said
These seem to be the country people, who came from Galilee and other parts, who knew nothing of the designs of the Jerusalem Jews upon him; nor were they his downright enemies at least, but rather seemed to favour him, and were on his side, though greatly provoked to hear him talk after this manner:

thou hast a devil;
or art possessed with one; thou talkest like one of the demoniacs, like a madman, one beside thyself; whom the devil has so much power over, and has so deprived of thy senses, that thou knowest not what thou sayest:

who goeth about to kill thee?
no man; for they could not believe that any man, or body of men, would be so wicked, as to attempt to take away the life of so harmless a person, and who did so much good both to the bodies and souls of men.

John 7:20 In-Context

18 He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory; but He that seeketh the glory of Him that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill Me?"
20 The people answered and said, "Thou hast a devil. Who goeth about to kill thee?"
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, "I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and ye on the Sabbath day circumcise a man.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.