John 7:26

26 And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this 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 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
25 Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, "Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill?
26 And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah?
27 Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from."
28 Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him.

Footnotes 1

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.