John 10:20-21
Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The accusatory "He has a demon, and is insane" wasn't just a casual insult, but a two-pronged attack reflecting a common Jewish belief that demonic possession was the cause of madness. By saying both, they were implying Jesus wasn't just mentally disturbed, but actively influenced and controlled by an evil spirit, thus disqualifying anything he said.
Jesus's teaching during the Feast of Dedication has deeply divided the crowd, with some beginning to believe while others vehemently oppose Him. This verse captures the angry reaction of those who refuse to listen, dismissing Jesus as demon-possessed and insane, and questioning why anyone would pay attention to such a person. The ensuing verses show others defending Jesus, pointing to His miraculous works as evidence against the accusations of demonic influence.
Why did Jesus' opponents resort to calling him 'demon-possessed' and 'insane'? It wasn't just an insult; it was a theological charge.
The accusations leveled against Jesus in John 10:20 – "He has a demon, and is insane" – reveal a deep misunderstanding and willful rejection of his identity and message. For some of the Jews, a "demon" indicated not just possession but a wicked influence, suggesting Jesus was a deceiver. Others saw "insanity" as a consequence of such possession, meaning his words were irrational.
This was their way of dismissing everything Jesus said and did. Instead of engaging with his teachings or the miracles that pointed to his divine authority, they resorted to labels that would immediately discredit him in the eyes of the crowd. It’s a classic tactic: attack the messenger to avoid confronting the message.
Jesus' words weren't meant to blend in; they were designed to bring clarity, even if that meant causing division.
The immediate reaction to Jesus' discourse was division, as noted in John 10:19. Some heard his words and were drawn to him, recognizing the truth. Others, however, reacted with hostility and slander, like those who cried out, "He has a demon, and is insane." This wasn't an accidental outcome; Jesus himself said that he came not to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34).
This division highlights a critical point: people don't always reject Jesus because his message is unclear. They reject him because the message itself—and the divine authority behind it—forces a choice. Will you listen to the voice of God in Christ, or will you echo the accusations of those who refuse to believe?
Understand the original words
daimonion · Greek Noun
A malevolent spiritual entity that opposes God and seeks to corrupt or afflict humans. Attributing Jesus’ words to a demon is a rejection of His divine origin and a denial of His mission.
mainomai · Greek Verb
A state of mental disturbance or irrationality. Calling Jesus 'insane' highlights the profound misunderstanding and hostility of those who rejected His messianic testimony.
daimonizomenou · Greek Participle (Passive)
A spiritual being, often fallen and malevolent, opposed to God and His kingdom, capable of influencing or inhabiting human beings to cause physical or spiritual torment.
daimonion · Greek Noun
The accusations of demonic possession and madness leveled against Jesus at the Feast of Dedication were not random insults but reflected a hostile environment steeped in religious fervor and suspicion, particularly after the recent history of the Maccabean revolt and the rededication of the Temple.
c. 200 BC - 175 BC
Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean Revolt began as a rebellion against the Seleucid Empire's imposition of Hellenistic culture and religion. This period of conflict and religious fervor led to the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple.
c. 164 BC
Temple Rededication
Judas Maccabeus recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple, establishing the annual Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) to commemorate this event.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry
During Jesus' public ministry, he faced increasing opposition from Jewish leaders and segments of the populace who questioned his claims and authority.
Winter, c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Feast of Dedication
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, walking in Solomon's Porch. He is confronted by a crowd demanding to know if he is the Christ.
This verse mirrors the accusation leveled against Jesus, where the crowd says, 'You are a demon! Who is trying to kill you?' showing a consistent pattern of rejecting and demonizing Jesus' message.
John 8:48The charge 'He has a demon' is repeated here, highlighting the Jews' persistent refusal to accept Jesus' identity and teachings, instead resorting to slander.
1 Corinthians 2:14This passage explains why such accusations are made, stating that the 'natural person' cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God, seeing them as foolishness, which is precisely how Jesus' words were perceived.
Acts 26:24King Agrippa's reaction to Paul's testimony, 'You are out of your mind,' echoes the accusation that Jesus was 'insane,' demonstrating how powerful spiritual truths can be dismissed as madness by those who don't understand.
clarkeJohn 10:20: "And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?"
He hath a devil, and is mad - So, then, a demoniac and a madman were not exactly the same in the apprehension of the Jews; no more than the effect is the same with the cause which produces it. Some will have it that, when the Jews told our Lord that he had a demon, they meant no more than that he was deranged; but here these matters are evidently distinguished. They believed him to be possessed by a demon, who de…
bengelJohn 10:20: "And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?"
John 10:20 . Πολλοί , many ) They were wont to take in the worst light His most lofty and sweetest discourses.[283][283] τὶ αὐτοῦ ἀκούετε , why hear ye Him? ) It is a case full of danger, when even hearing is refused.—V. g.
The accusatory "He has a demon, and is insane" wasn't just a casual insult, but a two-pronged attack reflecting a common Jewish belief that demonic possession was the cause of madness. By saying both, they were implying Jesus wasn't just mentally disturbed, but actively influenced and controlled by an evil spirit, thus disqualifying anything he said.
Jesus's teaching during the Feast of Dedication has deeply divided the crowd, with some beginning to believe while others vehemently oppose Him. This verse captures the angry reaction of those who refuse to listen, dismissing Jesus as demon-possessed and insane, and questioning why anyone would pay attention to such a person. The ensuing verses show others defending Jesus, pointing to His miraculous works as evidence against the accusations of demonic influence.
Jesus's teaching during the Feast of Dedication has deeply divided the crowd, with some beginning to believe while others vehemently oppose Him. This verse captures the angry reaction of those who refuse to listen, dismissing Jesus as demon-possessed and insane, and questioning why anyone would pay attention to such a person. The ensuing verses show others defending Jesus, pointing to His miraculous works as evidence against the accusations of demonic influence.
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An entity in opposition to God, representing the kingdom of darkness, often portrayed as possessing power that opposes divine order and healing.
c. 30-33 AD
Division Among the Jews
Jesus' teachings and actions create a deep division among the crowds; some are drawn to him, while others vehemently reject him, leading to arguments and accusations.
"Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”" — The accusatory "He has a demon, and is insane" wasn't just a casual insult, but a two-pronged attack reflecting a common Jewish belief that demonic possession was the cause of madness. By saying bo…
