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John 10:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 10:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?
John 10:20 — American Standard Version

Context — John 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
18No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father.
19There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.
20And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?
21Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?
22And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:
23it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon`s porch.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And many of them said, he hath a devil, and is mad, etc.] It was a notion of the Jews, that madness or distraction was from the devil, and therefore these two are here joined together, having a devil, and being mad: there is a spirit which they call Tazazith, and which, they say f459, is an evil spirit that takes away the understanding of men; and under the influence of such a “demon”, the Jews thought Christ to be: and therefore say, why hear ye him? he is a lunatic, he is distracted, he is a madman; how can you bear to hear such ranting blasphemous stuff, which no man in his, senses would ever utter? nor is anything he says to be regarded, since he is not in his right mind; but is under…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He hath a devil - John 7:20. Is mad - Is deranged, or a maniac. His words are incoherent and unintelligible. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“He hath: Joh 7:20, Joh 8:48, Joh 8:52; Mat 9:34, Mat 10:25; Mar 3:21; Act 26:24 why: Joh 7:46-52, Joh 8:47, Joh 9:28, Joh 9:29; Isa 53:8; Act 18:14, Act 18:15, Act 25:19, Act 25:20, Act 26:30-32 John 10:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification