New Testament
John 7:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Many in the crowd believed in him and said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more signs than this man has done?"
Compare translations
And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
What John 7:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment where many people in the crowd express their belief in Jesus. They are impressed by the miracles he has performed and are questioning whether the Messiah, when he comes, could possibly do more than what they have already witnessed from Jesus. This reflects their recognition of Jesus' extraordinary works and their anticipation of the Messiah's arrival. The crowd is grappling with their expectations of the Christ, who they believe will perform even greater signs. Their statement indicates a growing faith in Jesus, as they are beginning to connect him with the prophecies about the Messiah. This moment highlights the tension between belief and skepticism, as some are starting to see Jesus as the fulfillment of their hopes, while others remain uncertain. It also sets the stage for the ongoing debate about Jesus' identity and mission, which is a central theme in the Gospel of John.
How to apply John 7:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own beliefs about Jesus. Are we open to recognizing his works in our lives? Like the crowd, we should consider the evidence of his miracles and teachings, allowing them to strengthen our faith and understanding of who he is.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: At the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:10–52)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 7:31
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 7:31
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 7:31 mean?
John 7:31 shows that many people in the crowd believed in Jesus after witnessing his miracles. They wondered if the Messiah could perform even greater signs, indicating their growing faith and curiosity about Jesus' identity.
What is the significance of the crowd's belief in John 7:31?
The crowd's belief highlights a pivotal moment where they start to connect Jesus with the prophecies of the Messiah. Their question reflects their expectations and the tension between faith and skepticism regarding Jesus' true nature.
What does the phrase 'When the Christ comes' mean in John 7:31?
The phrase 'When the Christ comes' refers to the anticipated arrival of the Messiah, who was expected to perform miraculous signs. The crowd is comparing Jesus' miracles to what they expect from the future Messiah.
How does John 7:31 relate to the theme of miracles?
In John 7:31, the miracles performed by Jesus serve as a basis for the crowd's belief. Their question about whether the Christ could do more miracles emphasizes the significance of Jesus' works in validating his identity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.