Definition: If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 7:23. It's a really interesting and somewhat puzzling passage with a lot of layers. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a man who was completely healed and restored – almost to a new life – on the Sabbath. The speaker, John, is questioning why someone on the sabbath day (meaning on the Sabbath) would be angry at him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “If a man on the sabbath day receives circumcision…” - This refers to a ritual practice that was practiced in ancient Israel and involved cutting the foreskin (the head of the penis) of male Jewish men, typically during childhood. It was a symbolic act of receiving God’s covenant with them. “…that the law of Moses should not be broken…” - This is the key part. The speaker is saying that this man must follow all the rules and commandments of the Old Testament laws (the "law of Moses"). It's a strong statement about obedience to God’s instructions. “Are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?” - This is where it gets a little bit confusing and symbolic. The speaker is asking if someone is upset because he was restored to perfect health on the Sabbath. The Interpretation – It's About Perfection & Restoration: This verse isn’t really about a man actually being angry. Instead, it’s a powerful metaphor: “Every whit whole” - This means completely and perfectly healthy. “On the sabbath day” - The Sabbath is a holy day of rest and remembrance of God's covenant. It’s a special time to reflect and connect with God. So, John is saying: "I was restored to perfect health on the Sabbath. It implies that this man was incredibly blessed and whole – almost divine. Now, you are angry because I'm still showing such perfection? It suggests there might be something troubling or negative about his state that you’re upset about." Possible Interpretations (and why it's complex): A Test of Obedience: Some believe John is testing the people present – especially those on the sabbath. He’s asking if they are questioning his righteousness, perhaps because he’s so perfect. A Symbolic Representation of God’s Grace: It could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of how God's grace and restoration work. The man being whole symbolizes God's complete favor and protection. Important Note: The verse is notoriously difficult to interpret, and there have been many different attempts to explain its meaning throughout history. It's a testament to the power of ancient texts and the enduring mysteries of faith! --- Disclaimer: I’m an AI Chatbot; this explanation is based on common interpretations of the Bible. There can be various scholarly viewpoints on this text, so it’s always good to consult multiple sources for deeper understanding. Would you like me to: Explain any particular aspect of the verse in more detail? Offer a different perspective or interpretation?