Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 7:30

"They sought therefore to take him: and no man laid his hand on him, because his hour was not yet come." — John 7:30 (ASV)

Jesus’ enemies attempted to seize him, but they failed because the hour of crisis had not come. Not only did “the time” restrain him from sudden independent action (2:4), but it assured him of divine protection until the moment for action came (cf. Lk 22:53).