John 7:43
So there was a division among the people because of him.
Original Language Analysis
σχίσμα
a division
G4978
σχίσμα
a division
Strong's:
G4978
Word #:
1 of 8
a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλῳ
the people
G3793
ὄχλῳ
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
5 of 8
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐγένετο
there was
G1096
ἐγένετο
there was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 8
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
John 9:16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.John 10:19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.John 7:12And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
Historical Context
John repeatedly notes division over Jesus (7:43, 9:16, 10:19). This continued throughout church history—families divided (Matthew 10:35-36), communities split, nations torn over Christ. The early church experienced this division as persecution arose from Jewish and pagan opponents. The Reformation divided Christianity over gospel clarity. Christ remains divisive—He cannot be domesticated into culture's pet teacher but demands total allegiance, provoking division.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Christ necessarily divide rather than unite all people?
- How should Christians respond when gospel creates family or social division?
- What does division over Christ reveal about spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So there was a division among the people because of him. Jesus creates division—'schisma' (division/split). This fulfills Jesus's own prediction (Matthew 10:34-35). The gospel divides humanity based on response to Christ. Some believed, others rejected; some saw prophet, others saw deceiver. Neutrality toward Christ is impossible. Reformed theology emphasizes that Christ is set for the fall and rising of many (Luke 2:34)—a stone of stumbling or foundation stone, never neutral ground.