John 7:30
Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐζήτουν
they sought
G2212
Ἐζήτουν
they sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
1 of 17
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
πιάσαι
to take
G4084
πιάσαι
to take
Strong's:
G4084
Word #:
4 of 17
to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))
καὶ
but
G2532
καὶ
but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
6 of 17
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐπέβαλεν
laid
G1911
ἐπέβαλεν
laid
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
7 of 17
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 17
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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρα
hands
G5495
χεῖρα
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
11 of 17
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐληλύθει
come
G2064
ἐληλύθει
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
14 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
John 8:20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.John 10:39Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,John 7:6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.John 7:32The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
Historical Context
This is the third mention of Jesus's 'hour' in John (2:4, 7:6, 7:30). The hour is His appointed time for crucifixion and glorification. Until that hour, Jesus was invulnerable despite repeated attempts (John 8:59, 10:31, 10:39). When the hour came, He willingly surrendered (John 18:4-8). This demonstrates Jesus wasn't victim but willing sacrifice at the precise moment ordained by God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereign timing protect His servants?
- What does Jesus's control over His 'hour' teach about providence?
- How should understanding God's timing affect our courage in ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. Jesus's claims provoke hostile response—'they sought to take him' (ezētoun...piasai). Yet 'no man laid hands on him' (oudeis epebalen ep' auton tēn cheira) despite intent. The reason: 'his hour was not yet come' (hoti oupō elēluthei hē hōra autou). God's sovereign protection prevented premature arrest. Jesus would be taken only at the appointed time. Reformed theology emphasizes divine providence—God's purposes cannot be thwarted.