John 2:23
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
when
G5613
Ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 23
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
5 of 23
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πάσχα
the passover
G3957
πάσχα
the passover
Strong's:
G3957
Word #:
8 of 23
the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλοὶ
day many
G4183
πολλοὶ
day many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
12 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
13 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
16 of 23
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 23
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
θεωροῦντες
when they saw
G2334
θεωροῦντες
when they saw
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
18 of 23
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 23
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημεῖα
G4592
Cross References
Luke 8:13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.John 6:14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.John 7:31And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Historical Context
This is the first mention of 'many' believing in Jesus. Yet John distinguishes levels of faith throughout his Gospel. Those who believe because of signs may fall away when signs cease. The disciples who 'believed the scripture and the word' (verse 22) have a more stable foundation than those who merely saw miracles.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between faith based on signs and faith based on Christ's word?
- How can initial faith be deepened into mature trust?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Many believed during the Passover feast 'when they saw the miracles which he did.' This sign-based faith was genuine but inadequate. Jesus performed miracles, people believed—but Jesus' response (verse 24) shows this faith is immature. Signs can produce belief, but belief based solely on miracles may not endure. True faith trusts Christ's word, not merely His works.