And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that "muttering" doesn't necessarily mean complaining; it refers to hushed conversations, reflecting the fear of speaking openly about Jesus. This underlying anxiety shows the immense pressure the religious leaders exerted, making public opinion a tense, divided thing.
And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has arrived at the Feast of Tabernacles, but he's not making a public entrance, leading to confusion among the crowds. As people whisper about his whereabouts and his identity, they're divided, with some believing he's a righteous teacher while others accuse him of misleading everyone. This secretive debate highlights the fear and uncertainty gripping the populace under the authority of their religious leaders.
Have you ever heard a rumor spread like wildfire, leaving you unsure of what to believe? That's exactly what was happening with Jesus.
The word 'murmuring' here (in the original Greek, 'gongysmos') describes a low, continuous sound of discontent or dispute. It wasn't an open debate, but a hushed, uncertain buzz among the crowds.
Think about it: Jesus had performed incredible miracles, taught with unparalleled authority, and offered a profound message of God's kingdom. Yet, instead of a clear consensus, people were divided and whispering.
This highlights a key tension: people were grappling with who Jesus really was. Some saw his goodness and undeniable acts, leaning towards acceptance. Others, influenced by opposition or their own expectations, saw him as a threat, someone misleading them.
It's easy to assume everyone would immediately recognize Jesus. But this verse shows us just how polarized people were.
The core of the murmuring was a stark division: 'He is a good man,' versus 'No, he is leading the people astray.' This wasn't about minor details; it was a fundamental disagreement about Jesus's character and mission.
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This division reveals that belief in Jesus wasn't simply a matter of observation, but also of interpretation, deeply influenced by people's existing beliefs, fears, and allegiances.
Why weren't these debates happening out in the open? The reason is simple, and it still holds power today.
While the verse describes the murmuring, the context provided by scholars like Calvin and Clarke points to a crucial element: fear. People weren't speaking openly for fear of the religious authorities, referred to as 'the Jews' in this context.
This fear created a climate of suppressed truth. Those who saw Jesus's goodness likely whispered their thoughts privately, afraid of repercussions. Those who opposed him, often emboldened by the rulers, might have felt freer to voice their criticisms, though the verse suggests even they were largely speaking in hushed tones.
This silence isn't a sign of agreement, but of intimidation. It demonstrates how the pressure of powerful opposition can stifle open discussion and discernment, forcing people to choose sides in the shadows.
Understand the original words
planaō · Greek Verb
To lead someone away from the truth or the right path; in the New Testament, it often refers to false teachers or prophets who deceive people into apostasy or sinful behavior.
The 'murmuring' reflects the deep division and tension in Judea regarding Jesus. Many longed for a Messiah, but the religious and political authorities fostered suspicion, creating an atmosphere where people openly debated Jesus' identity and motives only in hushed tones, fearing reprisal.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus' Galilean Ministry Intensifies
Jesus begins a more public ministry in Galilee, performing miracles and teaching with authority, attracting large crowds. This period sees growing popularity but also increasing suspicion from religious leaders.
c. AD 28
Miracle of the Loaves and Fish
Jesus miraculously feeds thousands, leading many to declare Him the Prophet. However, the event also causes unrest and suspicion among religious authorities, and leads to a theological discourse where many disciples turn away.
c. AD 28
Jesus Withdraws to Galilee
Following the feeding of the loaves and fish and the departure of many followers, Jesus retreats from the public eye for a time, perhaps to regroup and continue teaching in smaller settings.
c. AD 28
Feast of Tabernacles Begins
The major Jewish festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot) commences in Jerusalem, drawing Jews from all over the Roman world. It was a time of great religious observance and national gathering.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus' Secret Arrival in Jerusalem
Jesus, despite His growing fame and the danger from religious leaders, travels to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, initially not revealing Himself openly.
c. AD 28
Jesus Teaches Openly in the Temple
During the feast, Jesus begins to teach in the Temple courts, His words and authority stunning the crowds and provoking further conflict with the Jewish leadership.
c. AD 28
Jewish Leaders Seek to Arrest Jesus
The chief priests and Pharisees, alarmed by Jesus' teachings and His popularity, dispatch temple guards to arrest Him, though their attempts are thwarted by Jesus' perceived authority and the people's confusion.
This verse highlights the contrast between outward appearances and God's true perspective, similar to how people are divided in their opinions about Jesus in John 7:12, judging Him based on limited understanding rather than His true nature.
Matthew 13:10-17Jesus explains to His disciples why He speaks in parables, noting that many people, like those in John 7:12, have hardened hearts and will not understand or believe, even when presented with truth.
Acts 17:32-34This passage shows a similar divided reaction to Paul's message in Athens, with some mocking, some wanting to hear more, and others disbelieving, reflecting the 'murmuring' and conflicting opinions about Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:22-23This passage speaks of the 'stumbling block' of the cross and the 'foolishness' of the gospel to those who are perishing, mirroring the way Jesus' identity and message were divisive and misunderstood by the crowds.
barnesJohn 7:12: "And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people."
Murmuring - Contention, disputing. He deceiveth the people - That is, he is deluding them, or drawing them away by pretending to be the Messiah.
calvinJohn 7:9-13: "When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee."
- And having said these things, he remained in Galilee. 10. And when his brethren had gone up, then he also went up to the feast, not openly, but, as it were, in secret. 11. The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? 12. And there was much murmuring concerning him among the crowds; for some said, He is a good man, and others said, No, but he seduceth the multitude. 13. Yet no man spoke ope…
What's easy to miss is that "muttering" doesn't necessarily mean complaining; it refers to hushed conversations, reflecting the fear of speaking openly about Jesus. This underlying anxiety shows the immense pressure the religious leaders exerted, making public opinion a tense, divided thing.
Jesus has arrived at the Feast of Tabernacles, but he's not making a public entrance, leading to confusion among the crowds. As people whisper about his whereabouts and his identity, they're divided, with some believing he's a righteous teacher while others accuse him of misleading everyone. This secretive debate highlights the fear and uncertainty gripping the populace under the authority of their religious leaders.
Jesus has arrived at the Feast of Tabernacles, but he's not making a public entrance, leading to confusion among the crowds. As people whisper about his whereabouts and his identity, they're divided, with some believing he's a righteous teacher while others accuse him of misleading everyone. This secretive debate highlights the fear and uncertainty gripping the populace under the authority of their religious leaders.
"And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”" — What's easy to miss is that "muttering" doesn't necessarily mean complaining; it refers to hushed conversations, reflecting the fear of speaking openly about Jesus. This underlying anxiety shows the…
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Last reviewed October 2026