John 7:22
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
therefore
G1223
διὰ
therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Μωσέως
Moses
G3475
Μωσέως
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
3 of 22
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
δέδωκεν
gave
G1325
δέδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 22
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιτομήν
circumcision
G4061
περιτομήν
circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
7 of 22
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μωσέως
Moses
G3475
Μωσέως
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
12 of 22
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρων
the fathers
G3962
πατέρων
the fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
17 of 22
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σαββάτῳ
the sabbath day
G4521
σαββάτῳ
the sabbath day
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
20 of 22
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
Historical Context
Rabbinic tradition acknowledged that circumcision overrides Sabbath (Mishnah Shabbat 18:3). Jesus uses their own accepted principle against them. This rabbinic argumentation style (kal v'chomer, light and heavy) moves from accepted practice to disputed issue, showing inconsistency. First-century debates over Sabbath were intense—various Jewish groups differed on permitted activities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's reasoning expose hypocrisy in selective rule application?
- What does this teach about the purpose of religious law?
- How do we avoid similar inconsistencies in applying biblical principles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. Jesus argues from lesser to greater. Circumcision, commanded by Moses (Leviticus 12:3) but originating with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14), takes precedence over Sabbath law. If the eighth day falls on Sabbath, rabbis agreed circumcision proceeds—violating Sabbath to fulfill covenant obligation. Jesus's logic: if working on Sabbath to circumcise part of a man's body is acceptable, healing an entire person should be also. This demonstrates Jesus's rabbinic reasoning skill while exposing opponents' inconsistency.