John 7:36
What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
What
G5101
τίς
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 20
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
manner of saying
G3056
λόγος
manner of saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
5 of 20
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ὃν
that
G3739
ὃν
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Ζητήσετέ
Ye shall seek
G2212
Ζητήσετέ
Ye shall seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
8 of 20
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Throughout John, Jesus's statements confuse hearers until spiritual enlightenment comes. Nicodemus confused new birth with physical rebirth (3:4); the Samaritan woman confused living water with well water (4:11); crowds confused bread from heaven with physical bread (6:34). Only post-resurrection and Pentecost did disciples fully understand. This pattern demonstrates humanity's desperate need for divine illumination.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do spiritual truths remain incomprehensible to unregenerate minds?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in understanding Scripture?
- How does this passage demonstrate humanity's need for revelation beyond human reasoning?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come? The Jews repeat Jesus's words in confusion. They cannot penetrate their meaning. This demonstrates the spiritual blindness Jesus predicted—without divine illumination, even explicit statements remain incomprehensible. Natural human reason cannot grasp spiritual realities without the Spirit's work (1 Corinthians 2:14).