John 7:32
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
3 of 20
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλου
that the people
G3793
ὄχλου
that the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
5 of 20
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 20
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
11 of 20
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
13 of 20
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
16 of 20
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
ὑπηρέτας
officers
G5257
ὑπηρέτας
officers
Strong's:
G5257
Word #:
17 of 20
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
Historical Context
The temple police were Levites responsible for maintaining order. The Sanhedrin had authority to arrest for religious offenses. The joint Pharisee-Sadducee action shows unusual cooperation—these groups usually disagreed, but Jesus united them in opposition (a pattern continuing through His trial). The officers' failure (verse 45-46) demonstrates Jesus's authority transcended coercive power.
Questions for Reflection
- What does cooperation between rival groups to oppose Jesus reveal?
- Why couldn't officers arrest Jesus despite orders?
- How does gospel truth sometimes overcome hostile intent?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. The authorities react to growing support for Jesus. 'The people murmured' (ho ochlos gogguzontos) indicates widespread discussion. The Pharisees and chief priests (representing Sanhedrin) send 'officers' (hupēretas)—temple police. This is official action to arrest Jesus. Yet as verse 45 shows, the officers return empty-handed, themselves impressed by Jesus's teaching.