John 7:22 - Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy.
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What does "John 7:22" mean?
This verse in John 7:22 is part of a larger debate between Jesus and some Jewish people about whether Jesus is breaking the Sabbath law by healing a man. Let's break down what it means:
"Moses has given you circumcision...": This acknowledges that circumcision is a practice associated with Moses. It was established as a covenant sign between God and Abraham, and codified in the Mosaic Law.
"...(not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers)...": This is the crucial part. Jesus clarifies that while the practice of circumcision is associated with the Mosaic Law given through Moses, its origin predates Moses. It goes back to Abraham, as commanded by God in Genesis 17. This distinction is important. Jesus is establishing a precedent: The command predates the Mosaic Law itself.
"...and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy.": This points to a practical allowance within Jewish law. While the Sabbath was a day of rest where work was prohibited, there was an exception for circumcision. If the eighth day after a baby boy's birth fell on the Sabbath, they would still perform the circumcision. This was seen as fulfilling a higher commandment.
The significance of this verse in the context of John 7:
1. Defending his actions: Jesus uses the example of circumcision to argue that he is not violating the Sabbath by healing. He argues that if circumcision, which involves work, is permitted on the Sabbath because it fulfills a greater commandment (the covenant with Abraham), then his healing, which also fulfills a greater good (restoring health and wholeness), should also be permissible.
2. Highlighting hypocrisy: The verse implicitly accuses his opponents of hypocrisy. They are willing to make exceptions to the Sabbath law for circumcision but condemn Jesus for healing. This suggests a double standard and a rigid adherence to the letter of the law without understanding its spirit.
3. Authority and Interpretation: Jesus is subtly challenging the interpretation of the Law by the religious authorities. He implies that they are missing the point of the Law, which is about showing mercy, love, and fulfilling God's will.
In summary: Jesus is using a well-understood exception to the Sabbath law (circumcision) to defend his own healing on the Sabbath. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins and purpose of the law and not adhering to it in a rigid, uncompassionate way. He highlights the continuity of God's covenant from Abraham to Moses and ultimately to himself. By pointing out that circumcision predates Moses, Jesus subtly asserts a deeper connection to the history and purpose of God's covenant.
This verse is a small but powerful example of Jesus engaging with the Jewish leaders of his time, challenging their understanding of the law and asserting his own authority.
John 7:22 - Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy.
What does "John 7:22" mean?
This verse in John 7:22 is part of a larger debate between Jesus and some Jewish people about whether Jesus is breaking the Sabbath law by healing a man. Let's break down what it means:
"Moses has given you circumcision...": This acknowledges that circumcision is a practice associated with Moses. It was established as a covenant sign between God and Abraham, and codified in the Mosaic Law.
"...(not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers)...": This is the crucial part. Jesus clarifies that while the practice of circumcision is associated with the Mosaic Law given through Moses, its origin predates Moses. It goes back to Abraham, as commanded by God in Genesis 17. This distinction is important. Jesus is establishing a precedent: The command predates the Mosaic Law itself.
"...and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy.": This points to a practical allowance within Jewish law. While the Sabbath was a day of rest where work was prohibited, there was an exception for circumcision. If the eighth day after a baby boy's birth fell on the Sabbath, they would still perform the circumcision. This was seen as fulfilling a higher commandment.
The significance of this verse in the context of John 7:
1. Defending his actions: Jesus uses the example of circumcision to argue that he is not violating the Sabbath by healing. He argues that if circumcision, which involves work, is permitted on the Sabbath because it fulfills a greater commandment (the covenant with Abraham), then his healing, which also fulfills a greater good (restoring health and wholeness), should also be permissible.
2. Highlighting hypocrisy: The verse implicitly accuses his opponents of hypocrisy. They are willing to make exceptions to the Sabbath law for circumcision but condemn Jesus for healing. This suggests a double standard and a rigid adherence to the letter of the law without understanding its spirit.
3. Authority and Interpretation: Jesus is subtly challenging the interpretation of the Law by the religious authorities. He implies that they are missing the point of the Law, which is about showing mercy, love, and fulfilling God's will.
In summary: Jesus is using a well-understood exception to the Sabbath law (circumcision) to defend his own healing on the Sabbath. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins and purpose of the law and not adhering to it in a rigid, uncompassionate way. He highlights the continuity of God's covenant from Abraham to Moses and ultimately to himself. By pointing out that circumcision predates Moses, Jesus subtly asserts a deeper connection to the history and purpose of God's covenant.
This verse is a small but powerful example of Jesus engaging with the Jewish leaders of his time, challenging their understanding of the law and asserting his own authority.