John 7:47
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθησαν
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθησαν
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 9
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 9
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
5 of 9
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
Μὴ
G3361
Μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 9
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
The Pharisees viewed themselves as theological experts and religious guards against deception. Anyone disagreeing must be deceived or ignorant. This proud dogmatism blinded them to truth standing before them. History repeats this pattern—religious elites often reject truth that threatens their position. The Reformation faced similar accusations from Catholic hierarchy. Today's skeptics similarly dismiss Christian faith as delusion, refusing genuine investigation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pride in one's theological knowledge become barrier to truth?
- What warnings should religious leaders heed from the Pharisees' example?
- How do we avoid similar closed-mindedness toward truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? The Pharisees respond with contempt. The question 'Are ye also deceived?' (mē kai humeis pepla nēsthe) dismisses the officers' testimony as proof of deception. This reveals the Pharisees' closed-mindedness—anyone impressed by Jesus must be deceived. They cannot consider that they might be wrong. This demonstrates hardened unbelief that refuses evidence. Reformed theology recognizes judicial hardening—persistent rejection leads to increased blindness (Romans 1:18-32).