Definition: Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly complex and poetic passage from John 7:27. It’s a really rich idea that goes beyond just literal meaning and touches on themes of time, destiny, and the nature of God. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about knowing something that will happen far into the future – the coming of Christ – but also acknowledges a fundamental mystery: we don't know precisely when or where he will come. It’s a profound statement about God's plan and our limited understanding. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Howbeit we know this man whence he is…” – This is a very important phrase. "Howbeit" means "though" or “even though." So, it’s saying “Even though we know this man,” or “Even though we understand this situation.” It sets up a contrast – we have an understanding of something that will happen, but we don't fully grasp its exact details. “…but when Christ cometh…” – This is the core of the verse. It’s talking about the arrival of Jesus Christ. “no man knoweth whence he is.” – This is the really mind-bending part. “No man knoweth” means "no one knows." It suggests that we, as humans, are utterly incapable of fully understanding exactly when and where Jesus will appear. We can speculate, make predictions, but ultimately, God’s plan is beyond our grasp. Here's what it’s saying – some possible interpretations: God's Plan is Unfolding: The verse highlights that God has a grand, intricate plan that unfolds over time. We can observe and understand elements of this plan (like the coming of Jesus), but we don’t have complete control over when it happens. Mystery and Divine Sovereignty: It speaks to a sense of mystery in God's work. God is working in mysterious ways, and we are limited in our ability to comprehend them fully. We can see the direction He is moving, but not necessarily the precise path. Focus on Faith & Anticipation: The verse encourages us to focus on faith and anticipation rather than trying to predict every detail. It's about trusting that God will fulfill His plan even when we don’t fully understand it. Symbolic Meaning (Some Interpretations): Many theologians see this verse as a metaphor for the future of humanity. It suggests that humans are not meant to know all future events with absolute certainty. We can have glimpses, but ultimately, God's will is greater than our understanding. In short: The verse beautifully captures the tension between our limited human perspective and the vastness and mystery of God’s plan. It acknowledges our knowledge while emphasizing that we remain in a state of awe and anticipation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss a specific interpretation? Provide examples from other parts of the Bible to illustrate this concept?