Book of John - Chapter 7 - Verse 40

When the people heard the saying mentioned in this verse, they were referring to the Prophet that Moses had foretold in the Old Testament. This Prophet was expected to be the Messiah, the one who would come to save and lead the people of Israel. The people believed that this Prophet would bring about a new era and fulfill the prophecies of old. Their recognition of Jesus as the Prophet shows their hope and expectation for a savior who would deliver them from oppression and establish a new kingdom. This verse highlights the strong faith and anticipation among the people for the fulfillment of divine promises. It also reflects the belief in the continuity of God's plan throughout history and the role of prophets in conveying His messages to His people. Overall, this verse underscores the longing for redemption and salvation that was prevalent among the people during Jesus' time.

Many theologians interpret the phrase "this is the Prophet" in this verse to refer to the prophecy found in Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses predicts the coming of a prophet like himself. In the Old Testament, prophets played a crucial role in delivering God's messages to the people. Therefore, when the crowd identifies Jesus as "the Prophet," they are acknowledging that He is the fulfillment of this prophecy and the ultimate messenger sent by God. This interpretation highlights the significance of Jesus in the context of Jewish tradition and scripture.