Definition: And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 7:15. It's a really fascinating and slightly mysterious passage that speaks to Jesus’s identity and purpose. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people – specifically the Jewish leaders – were puzzled by Jesus’s ability to understand complex, written words like letters. It's a key moment in understanding how Jesus revealed himself to them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “John 7:15” : This is the verse itself. “And the Jews marvelled…” : This means they were surprised, perplexed, and perhaps even a little frightened. They weren't understanding why . “…saying, How knoweth this man letters?” - This is the core of the problem. They were asking, "How can someone who has never learned to read or write understand these words?" It’s like saying, “How can someone who hasn’t been taught a language understand a complicated message?” What it means – The Significance: Jesus was revealing himself as a teacher and revealer . He wasn't just showing them things; he was demonstrating his profound understanding of God's word. Here’s why this is important: He was showing them the truth about Himself: Jesus was teaching them about His divine nature, His power over life and death, and His relationship with God. It wasn’t about learning from him: It wasn't that he needed to study a book; it was that he possessed a deeper, more complete understanding of the written word. Think of it like this: Imagine someone who has read every single chapter in a textbook – they understand everything perfectly! Jesus is like that person, but even more so because He understands the very essence of God's words. In short, this verse highlights Jesus’ unique gift and power – his ability to grasp complex ideas through understanding God’s word. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Go into more detail about a specific aspect of this passage (like the symbolism)?