John 10:41
And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἦλθον
resorted
G2064
ἦλθον
resorted
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
μὲν
no
G3303
μὲν
no
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
σημεῖον
miracle
G4592
σημεῖον
miracle
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
11 of 22
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
οὐδέν
G3762
οὐδέν
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
13 of 22
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Historical Context
John the Baptist's execution by Herod Antipas (Matthew 14:1-12) had occurred perhaps a year earlier. His memory remained powerful, and people in this region had heard him personally. Jesus's miracles now validated everything John had prophesied, proving John was a true prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's example—no miracles but faithful witness—encourage believers whose ministries seem ordinary?
- What does it mean that the greatest validation of witness is whether it accurately points people to Christ?
- How can Christians ensure their testimony remains focused on Christ rather than drawing attention to themselves?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true (καὶ πολλοὶ ἦλθον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ ἔλεγον ὅτι Ἰωάννης μὲν σημεῖον ἐποίησεν οὐδέν, πάντα δὲ ὅσα εἶπεν Ἰωάννης περὶ τούτου ἀληθῆ ἦν, kai polloi ēlthon pros auton kai elegon hoti Iōannēs men sēmeion epoiēsen ouden, panta de hosa eipen Iōannēs peri toutou alēthē ēn)—The crowds draw a powerful comparison: John did no miracle (Ἰωάννης...σημεῖον ἐποίησεν οὐδέν, Iōannēs...sēmeion epoiēsen ouden), yet all things that John spake of this man were true (πάντα...ἀληθῆ ἦν, panta...alēthē ēn). They validate John's prophecy by Jesus's fulfillment—His miracles (σημεῖα, sēmeia, 'signs') authenticate John's witness.
This demonstrates the power of faithful witness: John performed no miracles, yet his testimony bore fruit because it pointed away from himself to Christ. The greatest ministry isn't displaying one's own power but faithfully directing others to Jesus. John's legacy wasn't supernatural demonstrations but truthful proclamation that proved reliable.