Charles Ellicott Commentary John 7:26

"And lo, he speaketh openly, and they say nothing unto him. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is the Christ?" — John 7:26 (ASV)

But they, too, have reason for wonder. They hear Him speaking openly, and those who sought His death listen to Him without reply. Are they, then, convinced of the truth of His claim?

Do the rulers know indeed...?—Read, Have the rulers come to know indeed that this Man is the Christ? The word “very” is omitted by the best manuscripts. The word “indeed” shows that the questioners think it impossible that the rulers can have recognised Him.