John 7:40
Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
Original Language Analysis
πολλοὶ
Many
G4183
πολλοὶ
Many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 14
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Ἐκ
of
G1537
Ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλου
the people
G3793
ὄχλου
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
5 of 14
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον,
this saying
G3056
λόγον,
this saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
8 of 14
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Οὗτός
this
G3778
Οὗτός
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 14
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 18:15-18 predicted a prophet like Moses whom God would raise up. First-century Jews expected this prophet, sometimes distinguishing him from Messiah (John 1:21, 25), sometimes identifying them. Jesus is the ultimate prophet—God's final word (Hebrews 1:1-2). Peter applies Deuteronomy 18 to Jesus in Acts 3:22-23. Yet prophet doesn't capture Jesus's full identity—He's also priest and king.
Questions for Reflection
- How is Jesus 'the Prophet' Moses predicted?
- Why is 'prophet' inadequate to fully describe Jesus?
- What other titles and roles does Jesus fulfill?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Some identify Jesus as 'the Prophet' whom Moses predicted (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). This shows partial understanding—Jesus is indeed the Prophet, but He's also much more (Messiah, Son of God). Their recognition is step toward full faith but incomplete. The crowd remains divided about Jesus's identity.