John 7:22
New International Version
Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath.

New Living Translation
But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.)

English Standard Version
Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.

Berean Standard Bible
But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.)

Berean Literal Bible
Because of the fact that Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers) also on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.

King James Bible
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

New King James Version
Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.

New American Standard Bible
For this reason Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and even on a Sabbath you circumcise a man.

NASB 1995
“For this reason Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.

NASB 1977
“On this account Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.

Legacy Standard Bible
For this reason Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.

Amplified Bible
For this reason Moses has given you [God’s law regarding] circumcision (not that it originated with Moses, but with the patriarchs) and you circumcise a man [even] on the Sabbath.

Christian Standard Bible
“This is why Moses has given you circumcision —not that it comes from Moses but from the fathers —and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Consider this: Moses has given you circumcision—not that it comes from Moses but from the fathers—and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.

American Standard Version
Moses hath given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.

Contemporary English Version
Moses commanded you to circumcise your sons. But it wasn't really Moses who gave you this command. It was your ancestors, and even on the Sabbath you circumcise your sons

English Revised Version
For this cause hath Moses given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses gave you the teaching about circumcision (although it didn't come from Moses but from our ancestors). So you circumcise a male on a day of worship.

Good News Translation
Moses ordered you to circumcise your sons (although it was not Moses but your ancestors who started it), and so you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath.

International Standard Version
Moses gave you circumcision—not that it is from Moses, but from the Patriarchs—and so you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.

Majority Standard Bible
But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.)

NET Bible
However, because Moses gave you the practice of circumcision (not that it came from Moses, but from the forefathers), you circumcise a male child on the Sabbath.

New Heart English Bible
Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moses therefore gave to you circumcision, (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers) and ye on the sabbath circumcise a man.

Weymouth New Testament
Consider therefore. Moses gave you the rite of circumcision (not that it began with Moses, but with your earlier forefathers)

World English Bible
Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because of this, Moses has given you the circumcision—not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers—and on a Sabbath you circumcise a man;

Berean Literal Bible
Because of the fact that Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers) also on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.

Young's Literal Translation
because of this, Moses hath given you the circumcision -- not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers -- and on a sabbath ye circumcise a man;

Smith's Literal Translation
Moses has given you circumcision; (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and in the sabbath ye circumcise a man.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore, Moses gave you circumcision (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and on the sabbath day you circumcise a man.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For Moses gave you circumcision, (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers) and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.

New American Bible
because of it. Moses gave you circumcision—not that it came from Moses but rather from the patriarchs—and you circumcise a man on the sabbath.

New Revised Standard Version
Moses gave you circumcision (it is, of course, not from Moses, but from the patriarchs), and you circumcise a man on the sabbath.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moses gave you circumcision, not because it is from Moses, but because it is from the forefathers; and yet you circumcise a man on the sabbath.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For this reason Moses gave you circumcision, not that it is from Moses but because it is from the forefathers, and you circumcise a son on the Sabbath.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Moses gave you circumcision, (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers,) and you circumcise a man on the sabbath-day.

Godbey New Testament
Moses gave you circumcision, not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers, and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.

Haweis New Testament
Because Moses ordered you circumcision; (not that it comes from Moses, but from our ancestors;) so ye circumcise a man on the sabbath-day.

Mace New Testament
Moses enjoin'd you circumcision (or rather not Moses, but the patriarchs) accordingly you circumcise a man on the sabbath-day.

Weymouth New Testament
Consider therefore. Moses gave you the rite of circumcision (not that it began with Moses, but with your earlier forefathers)

Worrell New Testament
Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.

Worsley New Testament
Now Moses gave you the law of circumcision, (not that it is originally from Moses, but from the patriarchs,) and ye circumcise even on the sabbath:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Teaches at the Feast
21Jesus answered them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. 22But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) 23If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?…

Cross References
Genesis 17:10-14
This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ...

Leviticus 12:3
And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.

Acts 7:8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

Romans 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.

Galatians 5:3
Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

Philippians 3:5
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Luke 1:59
On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.

Luke 2:21
When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.

John 5:16
Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him.

John 5:45-47
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope. / If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. / But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

John 9:16
Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.

Matthew 12:2
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:27-28
Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Colossians 2:11
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

Genesis 21:4
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.


Treasury of Scripture

Moses therefore gave to you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and you on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

circumcision.

Genesis 17:10-14
This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised…

Leviticus 12:3
And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

Romans 4:9-11
Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness…

Jump to Previous
Actually Boy Child Circumcise Circumcision Consider Earlier Fathers Forefathers Moses Patriarchs Reason Rite Sabbath
Jump to Next
Actually Boy Child Circumcise Circumcision Consider Earlier Fathers Forefathers Moses Patriarchs Reason Rite Sabbath
John 7
1. Jesus reproves the ambition and boldness of his kinsmen;
10. goes up from Galilee to the feast of tabernacles;
14. teaches in the temple.
40. Various opinions of him among the people.
45. The Pharisees are angry that their officers took him not,
50. and chide with Nicodemus for taking his side.














But because
This phrase introduces a contrast or explanation. In the Greek, "διὰ τοῦτο" (dia touto) indicates a reason or cause. Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders' criticism of His actions on the Sabbath by pointing to their own practices. This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the law's purpose and the heart behind it.

Moses gave you
The reference to Moses is significant, as he is a central figure in Jewish law and tradition. The Greek word "δέδωκεν" (dedōken) implies a giving or granting, emphasizing the authority and respect Moses commanded. Historically, Moses is seen as the lawgiver, and Jesus is reminding them of the origins of their practices, which they hold in high esteem.

circumcision
Circumcision, or "περιτομή" (peritomē) in Greek, is a covenantal sign given to Abraham and later codified in the Mosaic Law. It is a physical act with deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the Jewish people's covenant with God. Archaeologically, evidence of circumcision dates back to ancient Egypt, showing its long-standing cultural and religious importance.

you circumcise a boy
The act of circumcising a boy, or "περιτέμνετε" (peritemnete), is a commandment that Jewish people faithfully observe. It is performed on the eighth day after birth, as prescribed in Leviticus 12:3. This practice underscores the commitment to God's covenant from the earliest days of a child's life, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.

on the Sabbath
The Sabbath, or "σαββάτῳ" (sabbatō), is a day of rest and worship, rooted in the creation narrative and codified in the Ten Commandments. The historical context shows that the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day set apart for holiness. Jesus points out that the act of circumcision, which is also a commandment, is performed even on the Sabbath, illustrating that the law's intent is not merely about strict observance but about fulfilling God's purposes.

(22) Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision.--Some MSS., and many editors, place the "therefore," or, on this account, at the close of the last verse, reading, "Ye all marvel on this account," and then the present verse, "Moses gave unto you circumcision . . ." The reading of our version is, however, better supported, and agrees better with the writer's style. "On this account hath Moses given you circumcision, not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers." The argument is, "Ye circumcise on the Sabbath day because circumcision is part of the Mosaic law; but Moses gave you circumcision because he had an anterior and higher authority for it, and in practice you recognise this and make it override the Sabbath. But if circumcision is allowed, why not a deed of mercy? This is the practice and precept of your rulers. But if a patriarchal rite is greater than the Mosaic Sabbath, because the fathers were anterior to Moses, how much more an act of love, which is anterior to all time."

A man.--Used here, and in the next verse, as equivalent to a male child, as in John 16:21.

Verse 22. - Moses on this account (for this cause) hath given (assigned) you the circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers). If we accept the text as above, the question arises - Does it refer to the parenthetical clause or to the principal verb? Meyer renders as follows: "Therefore Moses gave you circumcision, not because it originated with Moses, but (because it originated) with the fathers, and so ye circumcise," etc., making the precedence of the law of circumcision to the sabbatic law part of the very purport of his appointment. But many others, "For this cause" - to teach this lesson - Moses, who gave the ten commandments, one of which involved the sabbatic rest, took up into the Law which he gave you the still older law of the Abrahamic covenant, and laid down the stringent rule that the rite must be performed on the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3) - a principle which was seen to involve the infringement of the sabbath law. This is, in substance, the view of Moulton, Lange, Westcott, and others. To expound the διὰ τούτο by the οὐχ ὅτι is (Westcott) contrary to the usage of 2 Corinthians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 4:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; but it is still more against the argument. Moses did not give circumcision because it was of the fathers, - at least that is not the point; but Jesus argues that he gave circumcision as a mode of legislation which will involve a modification of his own sabbatic regimen. Stringent as was the law of the sabbath, it would have, on occasion, to yield to the more searching and stringent rule of admission into the covenant of grace. "If the sabbath could give way to a mere ceremonial law, how much more to a work of mercy, which is older and higher than any ritual!" 'Mish. Sabb.,' 19:1, fol. 128, b, "Everything required for circumcision may be completed on the sabbath;" and so 19:2. The reason is given: 'Midrash Tanchuma,' fol. 9, b, "The healing of a sick man dangerously ill, and circumcision, break through the sabbath sanctity."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[But] because
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

Moses
Μωϋσῆς (Mōusēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475: Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.

gave
δέδωκεν (dedōken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

circumcision,
περιτομήν (peritomēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

you circumcise
περιτέμνετε (peritemnete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4059: To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.

a boy
ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

on
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Sabbath
σαββάτῳ (sabbatō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4521: The Sabbath, a week.

(not
οὐχ (ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

it is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

Moses,
Μωϋσέως (Mōuseōs)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475: Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

patriarchs.)
πατέρων (paterōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.


Links
John 7:22 NIV
John 7:22 NLT
John 7:22 ESV
John 7:22 NASB
John 7:22 KJV

John 7:22 BibleApps.com
John 7:22 Biblia Paralela
John 7:22 Chinese Bible
John 7:22 French Bible
John 7:22 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 7:22 Moses has given you circumcision not that (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 7:21
Top of Page
Top of Page