The people answered and said, You have a devil: who goes about to kill you?
Thou.
John 8:48,52 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? …
John 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
Matthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
the crowd replied.
The crowd in this context likely consisted of a mix of local residents, religious leaders, and pilgrims attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. This diverse group had varying levels of understanding and belief about Jesus. The crowd's response indicates a lack of awareness of the plots against Jesus by the religious authorities, suggesting a disconnect between the leaders' intentions and the general populace's perception.
“Who is trying to kill You?”
This question demonstrates the crowd's ignorance of the growing hostility from the Jewish leaders, who were indeed plotting to kill Jesus (see John 5:18). It also reflects the disbelief and skepticism of the people, who could not fathom why anyone would want to harm someone who performed miracles and taught with authority. This question underscores the theme of misunderstanding and opposition that Jesus faced throughout His ministry, as well as the fulfillment of prophetic suffering foretold in passages like Isaiah 53.
“‘You have a demon,’ the crowd replied…” (John 7:20a)
• The accusation is direct and hostile, suggesting Jesus is under demonic influence.
• This was not the first time such words were hurled at Him (Matthew 12:24; John 8:48; 10:20).
• The charge shows spiritual blindness: instead of acknowledging His miracles and teaching, some attribute them to evil power (Isaiah 5:20; Acts 2:22).
• Behind the insult lies a refusal to bow to Christ’s authority—a recurring theme whenever light confronts darkness (John 3:19–20; 1 John 3:8).
“…the crowd replied…” (John 7:20b)
• Earlier, the crowd was divided: some favored Him, others whispered fears of the authorities (John 7:12–13).
• At this Feast of Tabernacles, pilgrims from across Israel mingled with Jerusalem locals, producing mixed opinions and rumors (John 7:40–43).
• Their answer exposes groupthink; public sentiment can shift rapidly, often drowning out truth (Exodus 32:1; Acts 14:11–19).
• Yet even in confusion, Jesus keeps teaching, demonstrating patience toward the masses (Mark 6:34; 2 Peter 3:9).
“‘Who is trying to kill You?’” (John 7:20c)
• The question sounds innocent, but many in Jerusalem knew leaders sought His death since He healed on the Sabbath (John 5:18; 7:1).
• Some pilgrims may have been unaware; others feigned ignorance to dismiss His warning (Proverbs 26:24–26; John 7:25).
• Their denial illustrates how easily sin hides violent motives under polite denial (Psalm 64:4; Luke 11:47–48).
• Jesus exposes hidden plots, proving His divine insight and fulfilling the path toward the cross (John 12:27; Acts 2:23).
John 7:20 captures a crowd quick to brand Jesus as demon-possessed while ignoring death threats brewing in their own city. Their words reveal unbelief, misplaced fear, and willful denial of evil intentions. Jesus’ calm persistence in the face of slander highlights His sovereignty and the inevitable plan of redemption foretold in Scripture.
(20) The people.--They know that the rulers have sought for Him (John 7:11), but are not aware of their intention to kill Him. When this is referred to, it is "by some of them of Jerusalem" (John 7:25). These pilgrims know how far from their own thoughts is any such idea, and they think that its presence in His thoughts must be the work of a demon. (Comp. Note on Matthew 11:18.) They utter this, not in hostility, but in wonder that He can think so.Verses 20-24. -(3) Treatment of the ignorance and insolence of the multitude. Verse 20. - The multitude, who broke out in angry and ignorant remonstrance, answered (and said). Thou hast a daemon. Who is seeking to kill thee? Thou must have some evil spirit tormenting thee with such cruel and melancholy foreboding (cf. John 8:48; John 10:20). This was an outburst of insolent and ignorant amazement on their part, that One who taught so wonderfully "should imagine what they deem a moral impossibility and dark delusion" (Meyer). The design rankling in the hearts of the authorities was too well known to our Lord, and, not deigning to notice the interruption and the insult, he continued -
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