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Book of John - Chapter 10 - Verse 24

10:24
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.

Meaning

In this verse, the Jews are approaching Jesus with a sense of eagerness and urgency. They surround him, seeking a clear and direct answer to a question that has been on their minds for some time. The question they pose to Jesus reflects their desire for certainty and clarity regarding his identity. The Jews are essentially asking Jesus to openly declare whether he is the long-awaited Messiah, the Christ. Their impatience is evident in the way they confront Jesus, demanding a straightforward response to put an end to their doubts. This verse captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as the Jews grapple with the question of his true nature and purpose. It highlights the importance of faith, discernment, and the willingness to accept the truth even when it challenges our beliefs.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the Jews were questioning Jesus about his identity, specifically if he was the Christ. The term "Christ" comes from the Greek word "Christos" meaning "anointed one" or "Messiah". The Jews were expecting a Messiah who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom on earth. Their question to Jesus reveals their desire for a clear and explicit answer from him regarding his identity as the promised Messiah. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the tension between faith and doubt, as the Jews were struggling to believe in Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah due to their preconceived ideas of how he should fulfill the role. Jesus' response to their question ultimately challenges their understanding of what it means to be the Christ, as he reveals that his kingdom is not of this world and that belief in him requires a deep spiritual understanding rather than just external signs or declarations.

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.
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