John 7:31

Authorized King James Version

And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πολλοὶ
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
Ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ὄχλου
G3793
the people
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#6
ἐπίστευσαν
G4100
believed
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
#7
εἰς
G1519
on
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
αὐτόν
G846
him
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
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἔλεγον
G3004
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
ὅτι
G3754
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
Ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Χριστὸς
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#14
ὅταν
G3752
When
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#15
ἔλθῃ
G2064
cometh
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#16
μήτι
G3385
will he do
whether at all
#17
πλείονα
G4119
more
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
#18
σημεῖα
G4592
miracles
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#19
τούτων
G5130
than these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#20
ἐποίησεν
G4160
man hath done
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#21
ὧν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#22
οὗτος
G3778
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#23
ἐποίησεν
G4160
man hath done
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights faith and obedience through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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