The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Pharisees' question, "Have you also been deceived?" carries a sharp sting: it implies the officers, their own servants, are as easily fooled as the ignorant masses. This reveals their deep-seated arrogance, believing only those with their "official" status could possibly understand, and that anyone else swayed by Jesus must be a deluded simpleton.
The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the officers sent to arrest Jesus return empty-handed, they explain that no one ever spoke like Him. The Pharisees, stunned and indignant that their own men have been swayed, dismiss the crowd as ignorant law-breakers and scoff at the idea that any of their own learned leaders have believed in Jesus, implicitly questioning the officers' judgment and loyalty.
Imagine the shock! The very officers sent to arrest Jesus are instead captivated by His words. How do the religious leaders react to this unexpected development?
The scene in John 7 vividly contrasts the profound impact of Jesus' teaching with the hardened hearts of the religious elite. The officers, tasked with bringing Jesus in, return empty-handed, confessing, 'Never man spoke like this man' (John 7:46).
This wasn't just admiration; it was awe. They felt the power and truth in Jesus' words, a power that silenced their mission.
But the Pharisees' response is telling. Instead of investigating why the officers were so moved, they immediately resort to accusation: 'Have you also been deceived?' (John 7:47).
Their focus isn't on Jesus or truth, but on maintaining their own authority and worldview. Anyone swayed by Jesus, especially their own men, must be 'deceived.' This reveals a deep-seated spiritual blindness and a refusal to acknowledge any divine work outside their control.
When faced with Jesus' powerful words, the Pharisees didn't look for evidence of divinity. What did they rely on instead, and why does it fail?
The Pharisees’ defense mechanism is clear: they dismiss the crowd and the officers by questioning their spiritual authority. 'Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, who know not the law, are accursed' (John 7:48).
Their argument rests on two pillars:
Ask a follow-up
This shows a profound disconnect. They prioritize human authority and tradition over the direct experience and testimony of those who encountered Jesus. The officers heard Jesus and were deeply affected. The crowd heard Jesus and recognized Him as the Prophet. But the Pharisees, blinded by their own status, refuse to engage with the evidence right in front of them.
Understand the original words
planaō · Greek Verb
To be led astray from the truth, often through false teaching, persuasion, or inner delusion.
archōn · Greek Noun
Those holding positions of power or influence, including members of the Sanhedrin or high-ranking religious officials.
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish sect characterized by strict adherence to the oral and written law, often noted for their legalism and opposition to Jesus.
nomos · Greek Noun
The set of divine instructions given to Israel through Moses, serving as the standard for holiness, moral conduct, and covenant life.
epikataratos · Greek Adjective
Under a curse or divine judgment; someone considered excluded from the covenant community or condemned by God.
This passage unfolds during Jesus' ministry, specifically amidst the tension of the Feast of Tabernacles. The encounter highlights the deep division within Jewish society: the common people are increasingly drawn to Jesus, while the religious elite, particularly the Pharisees, are entrenched in their opposition and view his followers, even their own officers, as 'deceived'.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering followers. His growing popularity and challenging teachings attract the attention of religious authorities.
c. AD 30
Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem
Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles, teaching publicly in the temple. His presence and teachings cause division among the crowds and challenge the religious leaders.
AD 30
Jesus' Teaching in the Temple Courtyard
During the feast, Jesus delivers powerful teachings in the temple, claiming divine authority. This leads to heated debates and attempts by the authorities to arrest him.
AD 30
Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus
The chief priests and Pharisees, alarmed by Jesus' influence, send temple officers to arrest him. However, the officers are so captivated by Jesus' words that they return without him.
AD 30
Pharisees' Scornful Reaction
Upon hearing the officers' report, the Pharisees react with disbelief and anger, questioning if even their own servants have been swayed by Jesus, whom they consider a deceiver.
AD 30
Nicodemus Defends Jesus' Trial
Nicodemus, a Pharisee himself, questions the legality of condemning Jesus without a hearing, reminding them of their own law. He is rebuked for his association with Jesus.
This verse echoes the Pharisees' dismissive attitude, highlighting Jesus' warning that woe comes when everyone speaks well of you. It shows the world's tendency to condemn those who follow truth when popular opinion leans another way.
Matthew 13:13-15This passage explains why many, like the Pharisees, were resistant to Jesus' message, fulfilling prophecy. It speaks to spiritual dullness and closed hearts that prevent people from recognizing divine truth, even when presented clearly.
1 Corinthians 1:20This verse directly contrasts the 'wisdom of the world' with God's wisdom, as seen in the Pharisees' scorn for Jesus. Their reliance on worldly status and intellectual pride blinded them to the true power and wisdom of God revealed in Christ.
John 9:34This verse provides a similar instance where religious authorities, like the Pharisees, expel someone for believing in Jesus. It demonstrates their consistent pattern of rejecting truth and persecuting those who accept it, even when the evidence is undeniable.
Acts 4:1-2This passage shows the same pattern of official disbelief and anger when confronted with Jesus' followers. The religious leaders, like the Pharisees, were disturbed by the boldness of Peter and John, arresting them for teaching about Jesus.
calvinJohn 7:45-53: "Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?"
- So the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, Why have you not brought him? 46. The officers answered, Never man spoke like this man. 47. The Pharisees therefore answered them, And are you also seduced? 48. Hath any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees, believed in him? 49. But this multitude, who know not the law, are accursed. 50.…
gillJohn 7:47: "Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?"
Then answered them the Pharisees, are ye also deceived? As well as the common people; you that have been so long in our service, and should know better; or who, at least, should have taken the sense of your superiors, and should have waited to have had their opinion and judgment of him, and been determined by that, and not so hastily have joined with a deluded set of people. It was the common character of Christ, and his apost…
The Pharisees' question, "Have you also been deceived?" carries a sharp sting: it implies the officers, their own servants, are as easily fooled as the ignorant masses. This reveals their deep-seated arrogance, believing only those with their "official" status could possibly understand, and that anyone else swayed by Jesus must be a deluded simpleton.
After the officers sent to arrest Jesus return empty-handed, they explain that no one ever spoke like Him. The Pharisees, stunned and indignant that their own men have been swayed, dismiss the crowd as ignorant law-breakers and scoff at the idea that any of their own learned leaders have believed in Jesus, implicitly questioning the officers' judgment and loyalty.
After the officers sent to arrest Jesus return empty-handed, they explain that no one ever spoke like Him. The Pharisees, stunned and indignant that their own men have been swayed, dismiss the crowd as ignorant law-breakers and scoff at the idea that any of their own learned leaders have believed in Jesus, implicitly questioning the officers' judgment and loyalty.
"The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”" — The Pharisees' question, "Have you also been deceived?" carries a sharp sting: it implies the officers, their own servants, are as easily fooled as the ignorant masses. This reveals their deep-seated…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026