John 7:49
But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸν
who
G3588
τὸν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
people
G3793
ὄχλος
people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 11
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
4 of 11
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὸν
who
G3588
τὸν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γινώσκων
knoweth
G1097
γινώσκων
knoweth
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
7 of 11
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸν
who
G3588
τὸν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
9 of 11
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Historical Context
Rabbinic Judaism distinguished between the learned (talmidei chakhamim) and the ignorant common people (am ha'aretz). Some rabbis forbade eating with am ha'aretz or marrying their daughters. This created a religious caste system Jesus rejected. His association with sinners, tax collectors, and common people scandalized Pharisees (Matthew 9:11, Luke 15:2). The early church's inclusion of Gentiles, slaves, and the uneducated continued breaking down these barriers (Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does religious elitism contradict the gospel?
- What does Jesus's ministry to the marginalized teach about God's heart?
- How do we avoid similar attitudes of spiritual superiority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. The Pharisees show contempt for common people. 'This people' (ho ochlos houtos) is dismissive. 'Who knoweth not the law' assumes the crowd is ignorant of Torah. 'Are cursed' (epikataroi eisin) consigns them to divine judgment. This reveals the Pharisees' elitism and pride. They view themselves as enlightened, the people as cursed ignoramuses. Jesus repeatedly challenged this attitude (Matthew 23:2-7), demonstrating God's heart for the lost and marginalized.