John 7:35
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 27
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἑαυτούς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτούς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 27
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Ποῦ
Whither
G4226
Ποῦ
Whither
Strong's:
G4226
Word #:
7 of 27
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
οὗτος
he
G3778
οὗτος
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
8 of 27
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μέλλει
will
G3195
μέλλει
will
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
9 of 27
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
πορεύεσθαι
go
G4198
πορεύεσθαι
go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
10 of 27
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 27
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
μὴ
will
G3361
μὴ
will
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διασπορὰν
the dispersed
G1290
διασπορὰν
the dispersed
Strong's:
G1290
Word #:
19 of 27
dispersion, i.e., (specially and concretely) the (converted) israelite resident in gentile countries
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἕλληνας
among the Gentiles
G1672
Ἕλληνας
among the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
21 of 27
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
μέλλει
will
G3195
μέλλει
will
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
22 of 27
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
πορεύεσθαι
go
G4198
πορεύεσθαι
go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
23 of 27
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
James 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.Isaiah 11:12And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,Zephaniah 3:10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.John 12:20And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
Historical Context
The 'dispersed' (diaspora) refers to Jews scattered throughout Roman Empire and beyond. By first century, more Jews lived outside Palestine than in it. Teaching Gentiles would have seemed disgraceful to Jewish authorities. Yet their unwitting prophecy came true—the gospel went to Gentiles (Acts 10-11, 13-28), fulfilling God's plan. John's late first-century audience, predominantly Gentile Christians, would see irony in this verse.
Questions for Reflection
- How does their misunderstanding ironically predict gospel spread?
- What does their inability to conceive of spiritual truth reveal about unregenerate thinking?
- How did the gospel reaching Gentiles fulfill God's purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? The Jews misunderstand Jesus's words, thinking He plans geographical relocation. Their suggestion—going to diaspora Jews 'among the Gentiles' (diaspora) or even teaching Gentiles—shows they can't conceive of spiritual realities. Ironically, their confusion prophesies gospel truth: Christ's message would go to Gentiles through apostolic mission.