What does John 7:52 mean?

The Pharisees attempted to have Jesus arrested (John 7:32). However, men sent on this mission came back commenting on how unique Jesus' words were (John 7:46). This sends the Pharisees into a rage. They are incensed that anyone could doubt their opinions. In direct terms, these religious authorities claim that anyone who disagrees with them must, by definition, be wrong (John 7:48). They claim those who lack their level of knowledge are cursed into spiritual error (John 7:49). However, one of their own, Nicodemus (John 3:1–2), points out that Jesus should be given a fair hearing before being dismissed as a fraud (John 7:51). Rather than accepting their own law, which makes that very demand (Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 1:16–17; Proverbs 18:13), the other Pharisees turn on Nicodemus.

Remarking about Nicodemus and Galilee is meant to be an insult. As this passage shows, Jerusalem's Pharisees considered themselves well above the common people. This was mostly by virtue of education. However, there was also a cultural basis. Most Pharisees were from the relatively urban Jerusalem area. They instinctively saw people from the surrounding, more rural areas, as backwards low-class peasants. Suggesting that Nicodemus is "from Galilee, too," is the equivalent of calling him a rube or insulting his family. This is how hatefully arrogant the Pharisees are with respect to Jesus: they ignore their own laws while calling each other names.

Ironically, Scripture does refer to a prophet from Galilee. According to traditional accounts, Jonah (Jonah 1:1) was from that region. Second Kings 14:25 says Jonah was the son of Amittai from Gath-Hepher. Joshua 19:13–15 indicates that Geth-Hepher was in Zebulun's old territory, the same region later known as Galilee.

Jesus has already pointed out that the Scriptures point to Him as the Messiah (John 5:39–47). Yet those determined not to believe will never be convinced by evidence (John 7:17).