Jesus' Words to His Brothers in John 7:10 Analyzed
John 7:10 states, "But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret" (John 7:10 ESV). This verse describes Jesus's actions following a conversation with his brothers regarding the Feast of Tabernacles.
The immediate context of John 7:10 is Jesus's interaction with his brothers, who urged him to go to Judea to perform miracles and gain followers, suggesting that "no one does anything in secret when he desires to be known openly" (John 7:3-4). Their words were cynical, as at this point, they did not believe in him [9]. Jesus initially refused to go, stating his time had not yet come (John 7:6-9). However, after they departed, he went up to the feast "not publicly, but as it were in secret" [1].
The term "brothers" (Greek: adelphoi) in this context refers to Jesus's biological siblings [9]. While Jesus often referred to his disciples as "brothers" in a spiritual sense [6, 12], here it specifically denotes his family members. For example, Matthew 13:55 mentions James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas as his brothers, and sisters are also mentioned [10]. The use of "brothers" can also be a generic term of affection for members of the church, as seen in Paul's letters [8, 11]. However, in John 7, the context clearly points to his family.
Jesus's decision to go "in secret" highlights his awareness of the timing and manner of his public appearances. This contrasts with his brothers' desire for him to act openly for personal recognition [9]. His actions demonstrate a deliberate control over his ministry's unfolding, rather than seeking immediate fame.
The concept of "brothers" in the New Testament carries various nuances. In 1 John 3:10, "brother" refers to fellow believers, emphasizing the importance of love within the Christian community [2, 5, 7]. Similarly, 3 John 1:10 uses "brothers" to denote fellow Christians who should be received and supported [3, 4]. However, in John 7:10, the familial relationship is paramount, underscoring the initial skepticism of Jesus's own family towards his divine mission [9]. This passage functions to show that even those closest to Jesus initially struggled to comprehend his identity and purpose.
Sources
- John “But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret. -- John 7:10”
- 1 John “In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn’t love his brother. -- 1 John 3:10”
- 3 John “Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly. -- 3 John 1:10”
- III John “III John 1:10 (LEB) — Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to ⌞the deeds he is doing⌟, disparaging us with evil words. And not being content with these, he does not receive the brothers himself, and he hinders those wanting to do so and throws them out of the church.”
- I John “I John 3:10 (Darby) — In this are manifest the children ofGod and the children of the devil. Whoever does not practise righteousness is not ofGod, and he who does not love his brother.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 25:40: 25:40 my brothers and sisters: This expresses either Jesus’ solidarity with his disciples (see 10:42; 18:1-14; Gal 6:10) or Jesus’ solidarity with humanity in general, irrespective of the faith of the one being helped (see Matt 6:1-4; 25:43; Prov 19:17). The use of brothers and sisters points to the first interpretation (Matt 12:46-50; 18:15-35; 23:8; 28:10) but does not invalidate social responsibility for other people in general (see Luke 10:30-37).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 2:7: Brethren--The oldest manuscripts and versions read instead, "Beloved," appropriate to the subject here, love. no new commandment--namely, love, the main principle of walking as Christ walked (Jo1 2:6), and that commandment, of which one exemplification is presently given, Jo1 2:9-10, the love of brethren. ye had from the beginning--from the time that ye first heard the Gospel word preached.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 1:10: 1:10–15:58 The body of the letter is devoted to Paul’s advice on specific problems and questions that had arisen in the Corinthian church. 1:10-17 The Corinthian believers were arguing over which of the leading evangelists (Paul, Apollos, Peter) was best. Paul rebukes them for their quarreling and worldly comparisons. As a minister of Christ and the Good News, he and the others are all channels through whom God works (see 3:1–4:7). 1:10 dear brothers and sisters: Literally brothers. This generic, traditional term of affection is used to address members of t”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 7:3: 7:3-5 Jesus’ brothers (see also Mark 3:31) reminded him of his religious obligation to celebrate the festival. Their words were cynical because at this time they didn’t believe in him (John 7:5).”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 28:10: Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid--What dear associations would these familiar words--now uttered in a higher style, but by the same Lips--bring rushing back to their recollection! go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me--The brethren here meant must have been His brethren after the flesh (compare Mat 13:55); for His brethren in the higher sense (see on Joh 20:17) had several meetings with Him at Jerusalem before He went to Galilee, which they would have missed if they had been the persons ordered to Galile”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:20: Brethren--an appellation calculated to conciliate their favorable reception of his exhortation. children in understanding--as preference of gifts abused to nonedification would make you (compare Co1 3:1; Mat 10:16; Rom 16:19; Eph 4:14). The Greek for "understanding" expresses the will of one's spirit, Rom 8:6 (it is not found elsewhere); as the "heart" is the will of the "soul." The same Greek is used for "minded" in Rom 8:6. men--full-grown. Be childlike, not childish.”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 20:17: Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father--Old familiarities must now give place to new and more awful yet sweeter approaches; but for these the time has not come yet. This seems the spirit, at least, of these mysterious words, on which much difference of opinion has obtained, and not much that is satisfactory said. but go to my brethren--(Compare Mat 28:10; Heb 2:11, Heb 2:17). That He had still our Humanity, and therefore "is not ashamed to call us brethren," is indeed grandly evidenced by these words. But it is wort”