John 7:20 Meaning and Explanation
“The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The crowd, unaware of the rulers' plot, answers that Jesus must have a devil — who is trying to kill him?
What Does John 7:20 Mean?
Many in the festival crowd are pilgrims from afar who know nothing of the leadership's designs. To them the charge sounds like delusion, and they say so with a slur: thou hast a devil. The Jerusalem locals, who do know of the plot, will say otherwise in verse 25.
Jesus absorbs the insult without retaliation and simply continues his argument. It will not be the last time he is called mad or demon-driven (John 8:48; 10:20). When he was reviled, he reviled not again (1 Peter 2:23) — the Lord's own meekness under mockery is itself part of his teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 7:20
What does John 7:20 mean?
The crowd, unaware of the rulers' plot, answers that Jesus must have a devil — who is trying to kill him?