New Testament · Gospel

John 10:23

The Good Shepherd

and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade. John 10:23 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

John 10:23, in plain English

Jesus is walking through Solomon's Colonnade in the Temple courts.

Why it's here

This was a covered walkway on the east side of the Temple—a natural gathering place, especially welcome in winter weather.

Who's speaking

The narrator describes Jesus' location in the Temple grounds.

Where it sits in the story

Picture Jesus walking through this ancient covered porch of the Temple, about to face the most direct demand about His identity yet.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus walks in Solomon's Colonnade (stoa tou Solomōnos), the covered eastern portico of the Temple, a location later associated with the early church (Acts 3:11, 5:12).

Language and setting

Solomon's Colonnade was a public teaching space within the Temple complex. Its association with Solomon, the wise king, provides a fitting setting for Jesus' revelatory discourse.

Voice

The narrator places Jesus in a specific, significant location within the Temple complex.

Significance

Jesus walks in the historic covered walkway of the Temple, a place of public discourse, where He will be confronted with the direct question about His messianic identity.

In context

John 10:21–25

21But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter,

23and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade.

24So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25“I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf.

Read all of John 10 — Jesus describes a shepherd who knows every sheep by name and lays down his life for them. The hired hand runs; the good shepherd stays.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad