John 2:23
ESV
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.
NIV
Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.
NASB
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name as they observed His signs which He was doing.
CSB
While he was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing.
NLT
Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him.
KJV
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
NKJV
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.
What does John 2:23 mean?
Jesus would come to Jerusalem at least three times a year, as required for all Jewish males living in the area (Deuteronomy 16:16). The first of these required festivals was Passover, also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The second was Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks. The third was Tabernacles, or the Feast of Booths.After His resurrection, the disciples recognized Jesus' earlier prediction (John 2:19, 22). This was further proof of His message (Mark 10:34). In the same way, people in Jerusalem are beginning to see the evidence pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. In the gospel of John, there are seven specific "signs," or miracles, used to demonstrate that Jesus is God. Unfortunately, most would reject what they saw in Jesus.
A person's "name" is symbolic of their authority and power. This is why we use signatures—our names—for certifying important documents. Persons often follow through on orders "in the name of" a higher official. However, many of the people who "believed in [Jesus'] name" at this point of His ministry were only interested in the miracles, not the message (John 2:24). There is a colossal difference between knowing something is true and putting trust in what you know. Many who followed Jesus early on were looking for entertainment but weren't committed to His message. When His message becomes difficult, these shallow thrill-seekers will fall away (John 6:60–66).
