Albert Barnes Commentary John 7:49

"But this multitude that knoweth not the law are accursed." — John 7:49 (ASV)

This people. The word translated here as people is the one commonly rendered the multitude. It is a word expressive of contempt, or, as we would say, the rabble. It denotes their scorn that the people should presume to judge for themselves in a matter pertaining to their own salvation.

Who knoweth not the law. This refers to those who have not been instructed in the schools of the Pharisees and taught to interpret the Old Testament as they did. They supposed that anyone who believed in the humble and despised Jesus must, of course, be ignorant of the true doctrines of the Old Testament, as they held that a very different Messiah from him was foretold.

Many instances of the great contempt in which the Pharisees held the common people are preserved in the writings of the Jews.

It may be remarked here that Christianity is the only system of religion ever presented to humanity that properly regards the poor, the ignorant, and the needy. Philosophers and Pharisees, in all ages, have looked on them with contempt.

Are cursed. This means they are execrable, are of no account, and are worthy only of contempt and perdition. Some suppose this refers to their being considered worthy to be cut off from the people for believing in him, worthy to be put out of the synagogue . However, it seems to be merely an expression of contempt—a declaration that they were a rabble: ignorant, unworthy of notice, and heading for ruin. Observe, however:

1. Most of those who became Christians were chosen from this despised people.
2. If the people were ignorant, it was the fault of the Pharisees and rulers. It was their business to ensure they were taught.
3. There is no more common way of attempting to oppose Christianity than by ridiculing its friends as poor, ignorant, weak, and credulous. One might as well hold food, clothing, friendship, and patriotism in contempt because the poor need these things or possess some of them.