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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 7:15 The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man attain such learning without having studied?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/7-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/43_Jhn_07_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 7:15 - Jesus Teaches at the Feast" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Jews were amazed and asked, How did this man attain such learning without having studied?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/7-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/7-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/7-14.htm" title="John 7:14">◄</a> John 7:15 <a href="/john/7-16.htm" title="John 7:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/7.htm">New International Version</a> The Jews there were amazed and asked, &#8220How did this man get such learning without having been taught?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> The people were surprised when they heard him. “How does he know so much when he hasn’t been trained?” they asked. <a href="/esv/john/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” <a href="/bsb/john/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?” <a href="/blb/john/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then the Jews were marveling, saying, "How does this one know such writings, not having studied?" <a href="/kjv/john/7.htm">King James Bible</a> And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? <a href="/nkjv/john/7.htm">New King James Version</a> And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” <a href="/nasb_/john/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The Jews then were astonished, saying, “How has this man become learned, not having been educated?” <a href="/nasb/john/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> The Jews then were astonished, saying, &#8220How has this man become learned, having never been educated?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The Jews therefore were marveling, saying, “How has this man become learned, having never been educated?” <a href="/lsb/john/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The Jews then were marveling, saying, “How has this man become learned, not having been educated?” <a href="/amp/john/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the Jews were perplexed. They said, “How did this man become learned [so versed in the Scriptures and theology] without formal training?” <a href="/csb/john/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the Jews were amazed and said, “How is this man so learned, since he hasn’t been trained? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the Jews were amazed and said, &#8220How does He know the Scriptures, since He hasn&#8217t been trained?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> The Jews therefore marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? <a href="/cev/john/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The leaders were surprised and said, "How does this man know so much? He has never been taught!" <a href="/erv/john/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> The Jews therefore marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? <a href="/gwt/john/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Jews were surprised and asked, "How can this man be so educated when he hasn't gone to school?" <a href="/gnt/john/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Jewish authorities were greatly surprised and said, "How does this man know so much when he has never been to school?" <a href="/isv/john/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> The Jewish leaders were astonished and remarked, "How can this man be so educated when he has never gone to school?" <a href="/msb/john/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The Jews were amazed and asked, ?How did this man attain such learning without having studied?? <a href="/net/john/7.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the Jewish leaders were astonished and said, "How does this man know so much when he has never had formal instruction?" <a href="/nheb/john/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then the Jewish leaders were astonished, saying, "How does this man know such writings, having never been educated?" <a href="/wbt/john/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? <a href="/wey/john/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The Jews were astonished. "How does this man know anything of books," they said, "although he has never been at any of the schools?" <a href="/web/john/7.htm">World English Bible</a> The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never been educated?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the Jews were wondering, saying, “How has this One known letters—having not learned?” <a href="/blb/john/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then the Jews were marveling, saying, "How does this one know such writings, not having studied?" <a href="/ylt/john/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the Jews were wondering, saying, 'How hath this one known letters -- not having learned?' <a href="/slt/john/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the Jews wondered, saying, How knows he letters, not having learned.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Jews wondered, saying: How doth this man know letters, having never learned? <a href="/cpdv/john/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Jews wondered, saying: “How does this one know letters, though he has not been taught?” <a href="/nabre/john/7.htm">New American Bible</a> The Jews were amazed and said, “How does he know scripture without having studied?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The Jews were astonished at it, saying, “How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the Jews marvelled, saying, How does this man know reading, when he has not been instructed? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And the Judeans were astonished and were saying, “How does this man know the scrolls, having not learned?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the Jews were astonished, and said: How has this man a knowledge of letters, having never been taught? <a href="/godbey/john/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then the Jews marveled, saying; How does this one know letters, never having been taught? <a href="/haweis/john/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man the scriptures, not being a scholar? <a href="/mace/john/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> at which the Jews were surprized, saying, how came be acquainted with the scriptures, a man of no education? <a href="/wey/john/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The Jews were astonished. "How does this man know anything of books," they said, "although he has never been at any of the schools?" <a href="/worrell/john/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> The Jews, therefore, were marveling, saying, "How knoweth This Man letters, having never learned!" <a href="/worsley/john/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, who never learnt? <a href="/parallel/john/7-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=2383" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/7.htm">Jesus Teaches at the Feast</a> …14About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach. 15<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/2296.htm" title="2296: ethaumazon (V-IIA-3P) -- (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.">were amazed</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: Pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">“How</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">did this man</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oiden (V-RIA-3S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">attain</a> <a href="/greek/1121.htm" title="1121: grammata (N-ANP) -- From grapho; a writing, i.e. A letter, note, epistle, book, etc. plural learning.">such learning</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">without</a> <a href="/greek/3129.htm" title="3129: memathēkōs (V-RPA-NMS) -- Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.">having studied?”</a> 16“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/2-46.htm">Luke 2:46-47</a> Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. / And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. <a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Matthew 13:54</a> Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked. <a href="/mark/6-2.htm">Mark 6:2</a> When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles? <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13</a> When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus. <a href="/john/1-45.htm">John 1:45-46</a> Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” / “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. <a href="/john/6-42.htm">John 6:42</a> They were asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven?’” <a href="/john/9-29.htm">John 9:29-30</a> We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” / “That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. <a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Matthew 7:28-29</a> When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, / because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. <a href="/mark/1-22.htm">Mark 1:22</a> The people were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. <a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</a> All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked. <a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a> The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. <a href="/jeremiah/31-34.htm">Jeremiah 31:34</a> No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/54-13.htm">Isaiah 54:13</a> Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity. <a href="/psalms/119-99.htm">Psalm 119:99-100</a> I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the Jews marveled, saying, How knows this man letters, having never learned?marvelled.<a href="/john/7-46.htm">John 7:46</a> The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.<a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Matthew 7:28,29</a> And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: … <a href="/matthew/22-22.htm">Matthew 22:22,33</a> When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way… How.<a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Matthew 13:54</a> And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?<a href="/mark/6-2.htm">Mark 6:2,3</a> And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? … <a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</a> And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?letters.<a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14,15</a> Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/4-2.htm">Although</a> <a href="/john/5-28.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/john/3-7.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/daniel/9-2.htm">Books</a> <a href="/daniel/1-5.htm">Educated</a> <a href="/john/7-13.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/titus/2-4.htm">School</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Schools</a> <a href="/psalms/111-2.htm">Studied</a> <a href="/john/5-28.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Wondering</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/12-42.htm">Although</a> <a href="/acts/2-6.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/john/7-21.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/john/21-25.htm">Books</a> <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Educated</a> <a href="/john/7-35.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/9-2.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/acts/2-7.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/acts/2-7.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/acts/19-9.htm">School</a> <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Schools</a> <a href="/psalms/111-2.htm">Studied</a> <a href="/john/7-21.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/acts/2-7.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/acts/3-11.htm">Wondering</a><div class="vheading2">John 7</div>1. <a href="/john/7-1.htm">Jesus reproves the ambition and boldness of his kinsmen;</a> 10. <a href="/john/7-10.htm">goes up from Galilee to the feast of tabernacles;</a> 14. <a href="/john/7-14.htm">teaches in the temple.</a> 40. <a href="/john/7-40.htm">Various opinions of him among the people.</a> 45. <a href="/john/7-45.htm">The Pharisees are angry that their officers took him not, </a> 50. <a href="/john/7-50.htm">and chide with Nicodemus for taking his side.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The Jews were amazed The reaction of amazement from the Jews highlights the extraordinary nature of Jesus' teachings. In the context of first-century Judaism, religious leaders and scholars were highly respected for their knowledge of the Scriptures and the Law. Jesus, who was not formally trained in the rabbinical schools, spoke with authority and wisdom that surpassed the expectations of the people. This amazement is a recurring theme in the Gospels, as seen in <a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Matthew 7:28-29</a>, where the crowds were astonished at His teaching because He taught as one having authority.and asked, “How did this man attain such learning The question reflects the cultural and educational norms of the time. Jewish education was centered around the Torah, and young boys would begin their studies at an early age. Advanced learning was typically reserved for those who studied under a rabbi. Jesus' profound understanding of the Scriptures without formal training was perplexing to the Jewish leaders. This scenario is reminiscent of <a href="/luke/2-46.htm">Luke 2:46-47</a>, where Jesus, as a young boy, was found in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking questions, and all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.without having studied?” This phrase underscores the divine nature of Jesus' wisdom. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, who relied on human instruction and tradition, Jesus' knowledge was innate and divinely inspired. This aligns with the prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a>, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting upon the Messiah, granting Him wisdom and understanding. Jesus' ability to teach without formal study serves as a testament to His identity as the Son of God, who embodies the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_jews.htm">The Jews</a> Refers to the Jewish leaders and people present at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. They were often skeptical of Jesus' teachings and authority. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, whose teachings and actions are the focus of the Gospels. In this passage, He is teaching in the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles. 3. <a href="/topical/f/feast_of_tabernacles.htm">Feast of Tabernacles</a> A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' wilderness journey. It was a time of great gathering in Jerusalem, providing Jesus a platform to teach. 4. <a href="/topical/t/temple_courts.htm">Temple Courts</a> The location where Jesus was teaching. The temple was the center of Jewish religious life and a place where rabbis would often teach. 5. <a href="/topical/a/amazement_of_the_jews.htm">Amazement of the Jews</a> The reaction of the Jewish leaders and people to Jesus' profound understanding of the Scriptures, despite His lack of formal rabbinical training.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_wisdom_vs._human_education.htm">Divine Wisdom vs. Human Education</a> Jesus' wisdom was not derived from traditional rabbinical study but from His divine nature and relationship with the Father. This challenges us to seek wisdom from God, who grants understanding beyond human education. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> Just as Jesus taught with authority, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to understand and communicate God's truth. We should rely on the Spirit for insight and boldness in sharing the Gospel. <a href="/topical/q/questioning_and_skepticism.htm">Questioning and Skepticism</a> The Jews' amazement and questioning reflect a common human response to the divine. We should be prepared to encounter skepticism and respond with grace and truth, pointing others to Christ's authority. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture.htm">The Importance of Scripture</a> Jesus' teaching was deeply rooted in Scripture. As followers of Christ, we must prioritize studying the Bible to understand God's will and effectively communicate His message.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 7</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_christian_disciple.htm">What defines a Christian disciple?</a> <a href="/q/key_events_in_jesus'_trials.htm">What were the key events in Jesus' trials?</a> <a href="/q/what_happened_in_jesus'_final_hours.htm">What events occurred during Jesus' final hours?</a> <a href="/q/john_7_15_-_how_did_jesus_teach_expertly.htm">John 7:15 – How did Jesus teach with apparent expertise without formal rabbinic training? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) How knoweth this man letters?--Their spirit is seen in that at which they marvel. It is not the substance of His teaching that excites their attention, but the fact that He who has never been technically trained as a Rabbi is acquainted with the literature of the schools. (See <a href="/acts/26-24.htm" title="And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning does make you mad.">Acts 26:24</a>, "much learning," where "learning" represents the word here rendered "letters.") He is to them as a layman and unlearned (comp. Note on <a href="/acts/4-13.htm" title="Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.">Acts 4:13</a>), not known in the circles of the professional expounders--a demagogue, who deceived the multitude; and they hear Him speaking with a learning and wisdom that excites their wonder, and unlocking mysteries of which they thought that they only possessed the key.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - The Jews therefore marvelled, saying, etc. "The Jews," as elsewhere, mean the ruling and learned class, the men of power and weight in the metropolis, who must have heard his teaching. The immediate effect of the appearance and words was great astonishment. In spite of themselves, they are moved by the command he manifested over all the springs of thought and feeling. The point of their astonishment is, not that he is wise and true, but that he could teach without having been taught in their schools. How doth this man know letters? (not the "Holy Scriptures," ἱερα γράμματα, nor πάσας γραφάς, but simply γράμματα, literature, such as we teach it; cf. <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24</a>). He can interpret our oracles; he is acquainted with the methods of teaching, though he has not learned - has never sat in any of our schools. Saul of Tarsus was brought up at the feet of Gomaliel. And ordinarily a man was compelled to undergo a lengthened noviciate in the schools before he was allowed to assume the office of a teacher. The inherited wisdom of the past is in the great majority of cases the basis of the most conspicuous teaching of the most original and unique of the great sages. The "Jews" were sufficiently acquainted with the origin and training of Jesus to be astonished at his knowledge of the interpretations of Scripture and other wisdom. "This tells powerfully against all attempts, ancient and modern, to trace back the wisdom of Jesus to some school of human culture" (Meyer). The attempts to establish a connection between the teaching of Christ and the hidden wisdom of the Zendavesta, or esoteric utterances of Buddha, or even the traditionary teaching of the Essenes, or the Platonizing schools of Alexandria or Ephesus, have failed. The mystery of his training as a man in the village of Nazareth is one of the evidences given to the world that there was an unknown element in his consciousness. He had not even the advantage of the schools of Hillel or Gamaliel. His own wondrous soul, by much pondering on the genuine significance of the Scriptures, is the only explanation to which even his enemies can appeal. Jesus knew the meaning, heard the murmuring of their surprise on this head, and so we read - <a href="/commentaries/john/7-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. were amazed ἐθαύμαζον (ethaumazon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2296.htm">Strong's 2296: </a> (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire. [and] asked, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “How Πῶς (Pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! {did} this [man] οὗτος (houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. attain οἶδεν (oiden) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. [such] learning γράμματα (grammata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> From grapho; a writing, i.e. A letter, note, epistle, book, etc. plural learning. without μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. having studied?” μεμαθηκώς (memathēkōs) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/7-15.htm">NT Gospels: John 7:15 The Jews therefore marveled saying How does (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/7-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 7:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 7:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/7-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 7:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 7:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>