John 7:26

26 and, lo, he doth speak freely, and they say nothing to him; did the rulers at all know truly that this is truly the Christ?

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 judge not according to appearance, but the righteous judgment judge.'

25 Certain, therefore, of the Jerusalemites said, `Is not this he whom they are seeking to kill?

26 and, lo, he doth speak freely, and they say nothing to him; did the rulers at all know truly that this is truly the Christ?

27 but this one -- we have known whence he is; and the Christ, when he doth come, no one doth know whence he is.'

28 Jesus cried, therefore, in the temple, teaching and saying, `Ye have both known me, and ye have known whence I am; and I have not come of myself, but He who sent me is true, whom ye have not known;