John 7:41
Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 17
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 #:
3 of 17
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μὴ
Shall
G3361
Μὴ
Shall
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γὰρ
G1063
γὰρ
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
14 of 17
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Galileans were looked down upon by Judeans as rustic and less religiously sophisticated. Nathanael's question 'Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?' (John 1:46) reflects this prejudice. The objectors knew Messiah should come from Bethlehem (verse 42, Micah 5:2) and assumed Jesus's Galilean background disqualified Him. They lacked complete information—Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2, Luke 2). This warns against judging based on incomplete evidence.
Questions for Reflection
- How did regional prejudice blind people to truth about Jesus?
- What prejudices today might similarly blind people to Christ?
- How can we avoid making judgments based on incomplete information?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Others take the further step, identifying Jesus as Messiah ('Christ'—ho Christos). But objections arise: 'Shall Christ come out of Galilee?' The question assumes Messiah wouldn't come from Galilee, reflecting prejudice and incomplete knowledge. Jesus was born in Bethlehem but raised in Nazareth/Galilee. The objectors don't know His full background.