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Book of John - Chapter 7 - Verse 27

7:27
Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

Meaning

In this verse, the people are discussing the origins of Jesus, questioning where He came from. They acknowledge that they know Jesus' earthly origins, as He grew up in Nazareth, but they are puzzled about His spiritual origins. The statement "but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is" suggests a belief that the true identity and origins of the Messiah, or Christ, will be a mystery to the world. This verse highlights the mysteriousness and divine nature of Jesus as the Son of God. It emphasizes the idea that Jesus' true essence and origins are beyond human understanding and that He is not merely an ordinary man. This verse serves as a reminder of the transcendent and miraculous nature of Jesus as the Son of God who came to earth to fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah. It prompts reflection on the depth of faith and the unknowable aspects of God's plan for humanity.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is," it is essential to consider the context and significance of the statement. The people speaking in this passage are puzzled by Jesus' origins and are questioning his identity. The statement reflects the common belief at the time that the origin of the Christ (Messiah) would be mysterious and unknown. This verse highlights the mystery surrounding Jesus' true nature and emphasizes his divine origin as the Son of God. The theological implications suggest that Jesus is not just a regular man, but someone whose origins transcend human understanding. It also foreshadows the deeper revelation of Jesus' divine nature as the Son of God, which would later be revealed through his teachings, miracles, and ultimately through his death and resurrection.

American Standard Version

Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when the Christ cometh, no one knoweth whence he is.
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