Definition: And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 7:12. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage about Jesus. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a lot of confusion and doubt surrounding Jesus. People are questioning his character and intentions. Essentially, they’re saying he’s not what they thought he was. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And there was much murmuring among the people…” – This means people were talking, whispering, and arguing. It wasn’t just a quiet observation; there was a lot of discussion and debate. “…concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.” - This is the core of the problem. Different groups – some believe he's truly good, others think he’s misleading them. “Deceiveth” means to trick or mislead. What does it mean? The verse suggests that people are questioning Jesus's character and motives. They might be feeling like he isn't being honest with them, perhaps because he’s doing things that seem unusual or that don’t align with what they expect. It implies a growing sense of suspicion. Why is this important? This verse was significant in the early Church, particularly when Jesus was nearing his death. It highlights the challenges people faced in understanding and accepting his teachings. It's a reminder that even those who believe deeply can sometimes struggle with doubt and questioning. It’s also a bit symbolic: The "murmuring" and “deceiving” could represent a broader trend of skepticism or disbelief that was starting to grow within the Jewish community. In short, John 7:12 is a snapshot of a time when people were wrestling with Jesus's identity and intentions, leading to confusion and questioning. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about what was happening at the time? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?