and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This seemingly simple detail of Jesus walking in "Solomon's porch" is actually a powerful hint from the Gospel writer. It’s not just a location, but a place that connected back to the ancient glory of Solomon's temple, emphasizing Jesus' rightful place and authority in the very heart of Jewish worship, even as many rejected Him.
and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus was walking in a covered portico of the Temple complex during the Feast of Dedication, which was a winter festival. This setting comes right after a contentious exchange where Jesus' claims about his relationship with the Father led to a division among the Jewish onlookers, with some calling him demon-possessed and others defending him. The Jews then surround him in this sheltered walkway, demanding he plainly state if he is the Messiah.
Why does John specify the 'colonnade of Solomon'?
This isn't just any spot in the temple; it's a place with deep historical roots. The 'colonnade of Solomon' (or Solomon's Porch) was a grand, covered walkway on the eastern side of the temple courts. It was believed to be a surviving remnant of the original temple built by Solomon, miraculously preserved through centuries of destruction and rebuilding. Even though the temple complex itself had undergone massive renovations, especially by Herod the Great, this specific portico held a connection to the very beginning of Israel's worship in Jerusalem. John, the gospel writer, highlights this detail, showing us Jesus ministering in a location that echoed with the memory of God's presence throughout Israel's history.
Why was Jesus in a covered walkway during the Feast of Dedication?
The text mentions it was the 'Feast of Dedication,' which occurred in winter. Jesus’ choice to walk in 'Solomon's porch' makes perfect sense in this context. This was a covered, sheltered area, providing protection from the winter chill and possibly rain. It suggests a practical, human element to Jesus' movements – He sought shelter from the weather. Yet, it was also a significant public space within the temple. This setting, while offering physical comfort, becomes the backdrop for intense spiritual interaction. As people gathered, seeking warmth and perhaps a glimpse of Jesus, the conversation turned to His identity, leading to division and challenging claims.
Understand the original words
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hierō · Greek Noun
The central place of worship for Israel, where God’s presence dwelt among His people; it represents the intersection of the divine and the earthly.
The mention of 'Solomon's Porch' grounds Jesus' teaching in a specific, ancient part of the Temple complex, a structure with a long history of destruction and rebuilding, highlighting the continuity and resilience of Jewish worship and tradition despite political upheaval.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
King Solomon completes the First Temple in Jerusalem, a magnificent structure that becomes the center of Jewish worship.
586 BC
Destruction of the First Temple
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar destroys Solomon's Temple, ending the First Temple period and initiating the Babylonian exile.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
After the return from exile, the Second Temple is dedicated in Jerusalem, on a larger scale but less ornate than the first.
c. 20-19 BC
Herod's Temple Renovation Begins
King Herod the Great initiates a massive renovation and expansion of the Second Temple, creating grander courts and porticoes.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Attends the Feast of Dedication
Jesus is present in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in winter, walking in the eastern portico known as Solomon's Porch within Herod's expanded Temple complex.
This passage also places Peter and John in Solomon's Porch, but it's after Jesus' ascension, showing the continued significance of this location for early Christian teaching.
Acts 5:12Similar to Acts 3:11, this account highlights Solomon's Porch as a place where the apostles, empowered by Jesus, performed signs and wonders, linking Jesus' public ministry to the ongoing work of the church.
John 8:20This verse also mentions Jesus teaching in the temple, specifically in the treasury, showing that the temple courts were His regular teaching grounds, even amidst opposition.
Matthew 21:12This passage describes Jesus entering the temple and driving out the money changers, showing His authority within the temple precincts shortly before His passion, a different but equally significant event in the same location.
barnesJohn 10:23: "And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch."
Solomon's porch - The porch or covered way on the east of the temple. See the notes at Matthew 21:12 .
vincentJohn 10:23: "And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch."
Solomon's porchA covered colonnade on the eastern side of the outer court of the temple. According to Josephus it was a relic of Solomon's days, which had remained intact in the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar.
This seemingly simple detail of Jesus walking in "Solomon's porch" is actually a powerful hint from the Gospel writer. It’s not just a location, but a place that connected back to the ancient glory of Solomon's temple, emphasizing Jesus' rightful place and authority in the very heart of Jewish worship, even as many rejected Him.
Jesus was walking in a covered portico of the Temple complex during the Feast of Dedication, which was a winter festival. This setting comes right after a contentious exchange where Jesus' claims about his relationship with the Father led to a division among the Jewish onlookers, with some calling him demon-possessed and others defending him. The Jews then surround him in this sheltered walkway, demanding he plainly state if he is the Messiah.
Jesus was walking in a covered portico of the Temple complex during the Feast of Dedication, which was a winter festival. This setting comes right after a contentious exchange where Jesus' claims about his relationship with the Father led to a division among the Jewish onlookers, with some calling him demon-possessed and others defending him. The Jews then surround him in this sheltered walkway, demanding he plainly state if he is the Messiah.
"and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon." — This seemingly simple detail of Jesus walking in "Solomon's porch" is actually a powerful hint from the Gospel writer. It’s not just a location, but a place that connected back to the ancient glory o…
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Last reviewed October 2026