Bible Strands
John 7:15
The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus teaches in the temple courts halfway through a feast while Jewish observers question His untrained knowledge.
The words — ἐθαύμαζον (ethaumazon) literally means "were marveling," and πῶς (pōs) translates to "how."
The thread — Similar reactions to Jesus’ teaching appear in Luke 4:22, Matthew 7:28, and Matthew 13:54.
Why it lands — The text forces readers to examine whether authority derives from human training or divine commission.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Cross-references
- Luke 4:22 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.
- Matthew 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching,
- Matthew 13:54 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.
- Acts 26:24 At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
- Matthew 22:22 And when they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.
- Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.
- John 7:46 “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.
- Amos 7:14 “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees.
- Matthew 22:33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.
- Mark 6:2 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?