John 7:11
ESV
The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, "Where is he?"
NIV
Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, "Where is he?"
NASB
So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast and saying, 'Where is He?'
CSB
The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, "Where is he?"
NLT
The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him.
KJV
Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
NKJV
Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?”
What does John 7:11 mean?
The Feast of Booths, also known as the Festival of Tabernacles, was one of the grandest events on the Jewish calendar. For an entire week, the people of Israel participated in rituals and events commemorating their journey out of Egypt through the wilderness. As one of the required feasts for all Jewish men (Deuteronomy 16:16), those who were curious about Jesus expected to see Him arrive at some point in time. None would have been more interested than the religious leaders of Jerusalem, whom the gospel of John typically labels "the Jews."It seems the religious leaders are making the same mistake as Jesus' brothers (John 7:4–5). They assume Jesus wants publicity, popularity, and power. On the contrary, Jesus is committed to preaching the truth (John 6:26–27), even when it causes most people to turn away (John 6:66). For this reason, Jesus entered the festival alone, and in private, after His family had already arrived (John 7:8–10). He arrives to find the people debating His character and mission (John 7:12).
John 7:1–13 describes Jesus' surprisingly quiet entry to a major Jewish festival. Jesus' brothers—other biological sons of Mary—tease Him about seeking publicity. Instead, Jesus attends alone, and does not teach or preach publicly until the middle of the week-long festival. In the meantime, the people of Jerusalem are ''muttering'' about Jesus, wondering when or if He will appear.
Six months after the feeding of thousands, and the public debate which followed, Jesus plans to attend the Feast of Booths, also called the Festival of Tabernacles. Rather than going publicly, He chooses to arrive privately, and after His family. While teaching and preaching there, Jesus once again comes into conflict with local religious leaders. The crowds take note of His profound words, history of miracles, and the inability of the religious leaders to silence Him. This causes the people to openly question their spiritual leaders. This embarrassment is a milestone in the effort to permanently silence Jesus.
