John 7:52
They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθησαν
They answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθησαν
They answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 21
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
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
Μὴ
Art
G3361
Μὴ
Art
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 21
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 #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
10 of 21
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἴδε
G1492
ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
14 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
προφήτης
prophet
G4396
προφήτης
prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
16 of 21
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 21
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 #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
19 of 21
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
Historical Context
The Pharisees' claim about no Galilean prophets shows either ignorance or willful blindness. Regional prejudice against Galilee was strong among Jerusalem elites. Yet God repeatedly chose unlikely people and places—David from Bethlehem, Elijah from Tishbe, Amos from Tekoa. First-century Judean contempt for Galileans parallels class/regional prejudices throughout history. The gospel challenges all such biases, showing God's grace transcends human categories.
Questions for Reflection
- How does prejudice blind us to truth?
- What modern prejudices might similarly obstruct recognizing God's work?
- How do we ensure we're not making similar errors based on bias rather than evidence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. The Pharisees respond with ridicule. Questioning whether Nicodemus is Galilean is insulting—Galileans were viewed as backward. The command 'search and look' dismisses his argument. Their claim 'out of Galilee ariseth no prophet' is false—Jonah was from Gath-hepher in Galilee (2 Kings 14:25), and likely others. Their dogmatic assertion shows how prejudice trumps evidence. They refuse investigation, preferring comfortable assumptions.