John 7:4

Authorized King James Version

For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐδεὶς

G3762

there is no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

γάρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κρυπτῷ

G2927

secret

concealed, i.e., private

τι

G5100

any thing

some or any person or object

ποιεῖς

G4160

that doeth

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ζητεῖ

G2212

seeketh

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

αὐτὸς

G846

he himself

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

#10

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

παῤῥησίᾳ

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

#12

εἶναι

G1511

to be

to exist

#13

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#14

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#15

ποιεῖς

G4160

that doeth

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#16

φανέρωσον

G5319

shew

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#17

σεαυτὸν

G4572

thyself

of (with, to) thyself

#18

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

κόσμῳ

G2889

to the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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John 7:4

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources