Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” New Living Translation The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” English Standard Version So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Berean Standard Bible So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Berean Literal Bible Therefore the Jews encircled Him and were saying to Him, "Until when do You hold our soul in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." King James Bible Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. New King James Version Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” New American Standard Bible The Jews then surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” NASB 1995 The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” NASB 1977 The Jews therefore gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Legacy Standard Bible The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us openly.” Amplified Bible So the Jews surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are [really] the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), tell us so plainly and openly.” Christian Standard Bible The Jews surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the Jews surrounded Him and asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” American Standard Version The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly. Contemporary English Version and the people gathered all around him. They said, "How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly!" English Revised Version The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly. GOD'S WORD® Translation The Jews surrounded him. They asked him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Good News Translation when the people gathered around him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? Tell us the plain truth: are you the Messiah?" International Standard Version So the Jewish leaders surrounded him and quizzed him, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you're the Messiah, tell us so plainly." Majority Standard Bible So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, ?How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.? NET Bible The Jewish leaders surrounded him and asked, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." New Heart English Bible The Jewish leaders therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Webster's Bible Translation Then came the Jews around him, and said to him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly. Weymouth New Testament when the Jews gathered round Him and kept asking Him, "How long do you mean to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us so plainly." World English Bible The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, “How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe Jews, therefore, came around Him and said to Him, “Until when do You hold our soul in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us freely.” Berean Literal Bible Therefore the Jews encircled Him and were saying to Him, "Until when do You hold our soul in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." Young's Literal Translation the Jews, therefore, came round about him, and said to him, 'Till when our soul dost thou hold in suspense? if thou art the Christ, tell us freely.' Smith's Literal Translation Then the Jews surrounded him, and said to him, How long takest thou away our soul? If thou art Christ, say to us with freedom of speech. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe Jews therefore came round about him, and said to him: How long dost thou hold our souls in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Catholic Public Domain Version And so the Jews surrounded him and said to him: “How long will you hold our souls in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” New American Bible So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” New Revised Standard Version So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the Jews surrounded him and said to him, How long do you vex our soul with uncertainty? If you are the Christ, tell us openly. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And the Judeans surrounded him and were saying, “How long will you keep our souls in suspense? If you are The Messiah, tell us plainly.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen the Jews came round him, and said to him: How long do you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. Godbey New Testament Then the Jews surrounded Him, and said to Him, How long do you take away our soul? Haweis New Testament Then the Jews came about him, and said to him, How long dost thou keep our soul in suspense? If thou art the Messiah, tell us plainly. Mace New Testament the Jews came about him, and said, how long will you keep us in suspense? if you are the Messiah, tell us plainly. Weymouth New Testament when the Jews gathered round Him and kept asking Him, "How long do you mean to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us so plainly." Worrell New Testament The Jews, therefore, came round about Him, and said to Him, "How long dost Thou hold us in suspense? If Thou art the Christ, tell us plainly." Worsley New Testament Then the Jews came round Him, and said unto Him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou be the Messiah, tell us plainly. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Unbelief of the Jews…23and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25“I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf.… Cross References John 8:25 “Who are You?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. John 5:16-18 Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. / But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” / Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. John 7:25-27 Then some of the people of Jerusalem began to say, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? / Yet here He is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying anything to Him. Have the rulers truly recognized that this is the Christ? / But we know where this man is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where He is from.” John 1:19-22 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... John 6:30-31 So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? / Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” John 8:53-59 Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?” / Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ / You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. ... John 9:22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already determined that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. John 11:47-48 Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” John 12:34 The crowd replied, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever. So how can You say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Matthew 11:3 to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” Luke 22:67-70 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. / And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. / But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” ... Mark 14:61-62 But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” / “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:63-64 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” / “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Luke 7:19-20 So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? Treasury of Scripture Then came the Jews round about him, and said to him, How long do you make us to doubt? If you be the Christ, tell us plainly. How. 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. Matthew 11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Luke 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; make us to doubt. John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? John 8:25,53 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning… John 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Jump to Previous Christ Clearly Doubt Freely Gathered Hold Jews Kept Mean Openly Plainly Round Surrounded SuspenseJump to Next Christ Clearly Doubt Freely Gathered Hold Jews Kept Mean Openly Plainly Round Surrounded SuspenseJohn 10 1. Jesus is the door, and the good shepherd.19. Diverse opinions of him. 23. He proves by his works that he is Jesus the Son of God; 31. escapes the Jews; 39. and goes again beyond Jordan, where many believe on him. So the Jews gathered around Him This phrase indicates a collective action by the Jewish leaders or people, often referring to the religious authorities like the Pharisees and Sadducees. The gathering suggests a confrontation or a demand for clarity. In the context of John 10, Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), a time when many Jews would be present. The gathering around Jesus can be seen as a sign of their increasing tension and opposition to His ministry. This setting in Jerusalem, a city central to Jewish religious life, underscores the significance of their inquiry. and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Persons / Places / Events 1. The JewsIn this context, "the Jews" refers to the religious leaders and people in Jerusalem who were questioning Jesus. They were often skeptical of His claims and sought clarity on His identity. 2. Jesus The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being questioned about His identity as the Messiah. His response to their demand is crucial for understanding His mission and divine nature. 3. Jerusalem The setting of this encounter, Jerusalem was the religious and cultural center of Jewish life, where many significant events in Jesus' ministry took place. 4. The Feast of Dedication This event, also known as Hanukkah, was occurring during this time. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and provides a backdrop for the discussion of Jesus' identity. 5. The Messiah (Christ) The term "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." The Jews were expecting a political and military leader, which contrasts with Jesus' spiritual mission. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' IdentityJesus' identity as the Messiah is central to Christian faith. Understanding His role as both Savior and Lord is crucial for believers. The Nature of Faith Faith often requires belief without full understanding. The Jews' demand for a plain answer reflects a struggle with faith that many experience today. Expectations vs. Reality The Jews expected a political Messiah, but Jesus came as a spiritual Savior. Believers must align their expectations with God's plan. The Importance of Scripture Knowing the prophecies and teachings of the Old Testament helps in understanding Jesus' fulfillment of them as the Messiah. Responding to Doubt When faced with doubt, believers should seek answers through prayer, study, and community rather than demanding signs or proofs.(24) Then came the Jews round about him.--The words mean literally, they encircled Him. It is again the impression of one who saw what he records. He remembers how they stood in a circle round our Lord, and watched Him with eager eyes as they asked their question. How long dost thou make us to doubt?--Literally, How long dost Thou lift up our souls? or, as the margin, "How long dost Thou keep us in suspense?" The words exactly express what was probably the real state of fluctuation in which many of these Jews then were. They do not in the true sense "believe" (John 10:25-26), and they soon pass to the other extreme of seeking to stone Him (John 10:31); but in many of them the last miracle, and the words accompanying it, had left a conviction that He was more than human, and not possessed by a demon. (See Note on John 10:21.) Two months have passed away, not, we may believe, without many an earnest thought and much anxious weighing of evidence concerning Him. And now the Feast of Dedication has come, and what thoughts have come with it? It is the Feast of Lights, and He had declared Himself the Light of the world. It is the Feast of Freedom, telling how the Maccabees had freed their nation from the tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes, and He has declared that "If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). It is the feast which commemorates the cleansing of the Temple, and His first public appearance in the Temple was to cleanse it and claim it as His Father's house. May there not be, then, a close connection between the statement that "it was the Feast of the Dedication," and the question, "How long dost thou excite our souls?" Was He, the question would seem to ask, really the Messiah or not? though by the Messiah they mean only a temporal prince. Was He, like the Judas of whom they were thinking, raised up as a deliverer from the Roman power, to give them the freedom which had long been the national dream? If thou be the Christ, tell us.--Comp. Note on Luke 22:67. . . . Verse 24. - Then the Jews came round about him. Not necessarily (with Godet) separating him from his disciples, but in a threatening and imperative fashion, demanding an immediate answer. It is probable that he had absented himself for two months in the neighborhood, had even been in Peraea (cf. Luke 9.), and met the multitudes coming up to the feasts. The πάλιν πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου of ver. 40, is best understood by his having been there before. The difficulty of his making retrospective reference to the similitude and allegory of the first part of this chapter is removed by the simple supposition that he saw in this group of his interrogators many of those who had heard his former discourse. And said unto him, How long dost thou hold our soul in suspense? - αἴρειν τὴν ψυχὴν ἡμῶν; used in the sense of "lift up the soul," and so used in similar connection in the classics (Eurip., 'Ion,' 928; 'Hec.,' 69; AEschylus, 'Sept.,' 198; also Josephus, ' Ant.,' 3:2. 3) - If thou art the Christ (simple supposition), tell us plainly. Observe in John 16:25 our Lord's own contrast between speaking ἐν παροιμίαις and speaking παῥῤησίᾳ, with open, clear utterance. They had heard his parables, and say, "Let him drop all reserve, and deliver himself in categoric form." Archdeacon Watkins has well recalled the various utterances which fell on the more susceptible of the Jerusalemites. This was the Feast of Lights, and has he not called himself the Light of the world? This was a feast commemorative of freedom from the Syrian yoke, and had he not said, "If the Son set you free, ye shall be free indeed"? ' This was the Feast of the Purification of the Temple; had not his first act been a cleansing of the courts of the temple? We cannot wonder at the summons and challenge of the people.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Soοὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. gathered around ἐκύκλωσαν (ekyklōsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2944: To encircle, besiege, surround. From the same as kukloi; to encircle, i.e. Surround. Him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. demanded, ἔλεγον (elegon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “How long Ἕως (Heōs) Preposition Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. will You keep us in suspense? αἴρεις (aireis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 142: To raise, lift up, take away, remove. If εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. You σὺ (sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are εἶ (ei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Christ, Χριστός (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. tell εἰπὲ (eipe) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. us ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. plainly.” παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 3954: From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance. Links John 10:24 NIVJohn 10:24 NLT John 10:24 ESV John 10:24 NASB John 10:24 KJV John 10:24 BibleApps.com John 10:24 Biblia Paralela John 10:24 Chinese Bible John 10:24 French Bible John 10:24 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 10:24 The Jews therefore came around him (Jhn Jo Jn) |
    |