New Testament
John 7:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus confronts the Jewish leaders about their hypocrisy regarding the law given by Moses.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
"Didn't Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?"
Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus confronts the Jewish leaders about their hypocrisy regarding the law given by Moses. He points out that while they claim to uphold the law, their actions reveal otherwise, as they are plotting to kill him. This highlights a significant inconsistency in their beliefs and practices. Jesus emphasizes that true adherence to the law involves not just knowledge but also action. By questioning their motives, he challenges them to reflect on their understanding of righteousness and justice. The irony is that they are breaking the very law they profess to follow. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with one's beliefs, and it calls into question the sincerity of those who outwardly appear righteous but harbor malicious intentions.
Related Bible verses
How to apply John 7:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for inconsistencies between our beliefs and actions. It challenges us to live authentically, ensuring that our behavior aligns with our values. We should strive to embody the principles we advocate, avoiding hypocrisy in our daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 7:19 mean?
In John 7:19, Jesus points out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who claim to follow the law of Moses but are actually plotting to kill him. He highlights the inconsistency between their professed beliefs and their actions.
What is the significance of Moses in John 7:19?
Moses is significant in John 7:19 because he represents the law that the Jewish leaders claim to uphold. Jesus uses this reference to challenge their understanding of the law and their failure to live by its true principles.
What does Jesus mean by 'none of you keeps the law'?
When Jesus says 'none of you keeps the law,' he is accusing the Jewish leaders of failing to follow the very commandments they profess to honor, particularly by their intention to harm him.
How does John 7:19 relate to hypocrisy?
John 7:19 illustrates hypocrisy by showing how the Jewish leaders outwardly claim to uphold the law while secretly plotting to kill Jesus, revealing a disconnect between their words and actions.

The Book of John
John 1: The Word Made Flesh and the First Disciples
In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. All things are made by him, and in him is life, and the life is the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. John the Baptist is sent from God to bear witness of the Light. He says he is not the Christ but comes to testify of him. The Word is made flesh and dwells among them, full of grace and truth. John bears witness and says that the one coming after him is preferred before him because he is before him.
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