John 7:44
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
Original Language Analysis
ἤθελον
would
G2309
ἤθελον
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
3 of 14
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 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
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 14
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
πιάσαι
have taken
G4084
πιάσαι
have taken
Strong's:
G4084
Word #:
6 of 14
to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 14
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
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 14
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐπέβαλεν
laid
G1911
ἐπέβαλεν
laid
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
10 of 14
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 14
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
Historical Context
This echoes verse 30—repeated attempts to seize Jesus fail until His hour comes. Luke 4:28-30 records a similar incident where hostile crowd couldn't harm Him. When His hour arrived, Jesus willingly surrendered (John 18:4-8). This pattern proves Jesus wasn't victim but willing sacrifice who controlled timing. The early church experienced similar protection—imprisoned apostles freed (Acts 5:19, 12:6-11), Paul escaped multiple plots (Acts 9:23-25, 23:12-24). God protects His servants until their work is complete.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereign protection operate in hostile circumstances?
- What does Jesus's invulnerability until His hour teach about providence?
- How should this encourage Christians facing opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Some wanted to arrest Jesus, yet 'no man laid hands on him.' Despite hostile intent, they couldn't act. God's sovereign protection prevented premature arrest. Jesus remained safe until His appointed hour. This demonstrates divine providence—human plans cannot thwart God's purposes. When God protects, none can harm.