The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Jews are amazed not by the truth of Jesus' words, but by his unconventional learning. They expected religious knowledge to come only from formal schooling, but Jesus, having never studied in their academies, spoke with an authority and depth that baffled them. This reveals their focus on external credentials over the divine source of Jesus' wisdom.
The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just boldly entered the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles and begun teaching, even amidst opposition and threats from religious leaders. The crowds are astonished by His words, but the Jewish authorities are particularly perplexed, marveling not at the profound truth of His message, but at His perceived lack of formal rabbinical training, leading them to question His source of knowledge.
Imagine being utterly baffled because someone knows things they simply shouldn't, according to all your rules. That's exactly what the Jewish leaders felt when Jesus spoke.
The core of the Jews' astonishment wasn't just that Jesus was smart, but how he was smart. They were used to learning happening in specific places – their schools, with their teachers, following their traditions. Jesus hadn't gone through that system.
What 'Letters' Meant
Jesus, by all outward appearances, was a tradesman from Nazareth, not a product of their esteemed academies. Yet, His grasp of Scripture and His teachings were so profound, so authoritative, that it defied their understanding of how such knowledge was acquired.
Their amazement reveals a blindness: they saw the method of learning but missed the Master behind it all.
The Jews were stuck on the 'how' – how could Jesus know so much without attending their schools? They couldn't see that Jesus's learning wasn't just human achievement; it was divine insight.
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Divine Authorization
Their wonder, instead of leading them to God, became a stumbling block because it was focused on human systems rather than divine reality.
Understand the original words
thaumazō · Greek Verb
A state of wonder, astonishment, or amazement; in the Gospels, this is often the response of those who encounter Jesus' authority, miracles, or wisdom, though it does not always lead to belief.
grammata · Greek Noun
Letters, literature, or scholarly knowledge; in the ancient context, it refers to the formal training in the Torah and rabbinic traditions that were expected of those who taught the people.
c. 7 BC - 4 BC
Jesus' Birth and Early Life
Jesus was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth, likely learning a trade as a carpenter. While Jewish boys received some education, Jesus did not attend the formal rabbinical schools.
c. AD 27-28
Beginning of Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee after his baptism by John the Baptist. His teachings and miracles start to gain attention.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Teaches at the Festival of Tabernacles
Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple courts. His presence and teachings cause a stir among the crowds and religious leaders.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and is believed by his followers to have been resurrected, marking the climax of his earthly ministry.
This passage describes Peter and John being recognized as 'uneducated and ordinary men' by their adversaries, yet speaking with wisdom. It parallels the astonishment of the Jews in John 7, who are surprised by Jesus' learning despite His lack of formal schooling.
Matthew 13:54-55When Jesus taught in His hometown, the people were astonished and asked, 'Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son?' This reflects the same wonder at His source of knowledge, as He hadn't been trained in their traditional rabbinic schools.
Isaiah 29:11-12This prophecy speaks of a people who will have a 'vision' they cannot read, because their learning is taught by human command. It highlights the contrast between divinely inspired knowledge and humanly acquired learning, which the Jews in John 7 were grappling with regarding Jesus.
John 7:16Immediately following the Jews' question about His learning, Jesus responds by stating His teaching is not His own but from God. This directly addresses their amazement by revealing the divine origin of His knowledge and authority.
barnesJohn 7:15: "And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?"
Knoweth this man letters - The Jewish letters or science consisted in the knowledge of their Scriptures and traditions. Jesus exhibited in his discourses such a profound acquaintance with the Old Testament as to excite their amazement and admiration. Having never learned - The Jews taught their law and tradition in celebrated schools. As Jesus had not been instructed in those schools, they were amaz…
calvinJohn 7:14-19: "Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught."
- And about the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15. And the Jews wondered, saying, How doth this man know letters, since he did not learn them? 16. Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but that of him who sent me. 17. If any man wish to do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, if it be of God, or if I speak from myself. 18. He who speaketh from hims…
The Jews are amazed not by the truth of Jesus' words, but by his unconventional learning. They expected religious knowledge to come only from formal schooling, but Jesus, having never studied in their academies, spoke with an authority and depth that baffled them. This reveals their focus on external credentials over the divine source of Jesus' wisdom.
Jesus has just boldly entered the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles and begun teaching, even amidst opposition and threats from religious leaders. The crowds are astonished by His words, but the Jewish authorities are particularly perplexed, marveling not at the profound truth of His message, but at His perceived lack of formal rabbinical training, leading them to question His source of knowledge.
Jesus has just boldly entered the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles and begun teaching, even amidst opposition and threats from religious leaders. The crowds are astonished by His words, but the Jewish authorities are particularly perplexed, marveling not at the profound truth of His message, but at His perceived lack of formal rabbinical training, leading them to question His source of knowledge.
"The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?”" — The Jews are amazed not by the truth of Jesus' words, but by his unconventional learning. They expected religious knowledge to come only from formal schooling, but Jesus, having never studied in…
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Last reviewed October 2026