John 16:2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Original Language Analysis
ποιήσουσιν
They shall put
G4160
ποιήσουσιν
They shall put
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 16
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἀλλ'
yea
G235
ἀλλ'
yea
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξῃ
will think
G1380
δόξῃ
will think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
12 of 16
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
προσφέρειν
that he doeth
G4374
προσφέρειν
that he doeth
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
14 of 16
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
Cross References
John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Revelation 6:9And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:John 12:42Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:Luke 6:22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.1 Corinthians 4:13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.Matthew 24:9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Historical Context
The cherem or ban had three degrees in Judaism: niddui (30-day exclusion), cherem (indefinite ban), and shammatha (complete anathema). By AD 85-90, the Birkat ha-Minim (blessing against heretics) was added to synagogue liturgy, formally cursing Christians. Saul of Tarsus exemplifies the 'sacred violence' Jesus predicted—hunting believers while convinced of serving God (Acts 8:3, 9:1-2).
Questions for Reflection
- How can sincere religious zeal become dangerously misdirected when divorced from truth and love?
- What does it cost you socially or professionally to identify publicly with Christ?
- How does Jesus's warning help you respond with grace toward those who oppose you for religious reasons?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Put you out of the synagogues (ἀποσυναγώγους ποιήσουσιν, aposynagōgous poiēsousin)—this compound word (apo = from, synagōgē = assembly) describes formal excommunication, the severest form of Jewish discipline. For first-century Jews, this meant complete social, religious, and economic ostracism from the covenant community.
Think that he doeth God service (δόξῃ λατρείαν προσφέρειν τῷ θεῷ, doxē latreian prospherein tō theō)—the word latreia denotes religious worship or sacred service. Jesus exposes the tragic irony: persecutors will murder believers while sincerely convinced they're offering worship to God. Paul exemplified this (Acts 26:9-11) before his Damascus Road conversion, 'breathing out threatenings and slaughter' while zealous for God's honor.