John Gill Commentary John 7:11

"The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?" — John 7:11 (ASV)

Then the Jews sought him at the feast
Some to take him and kill him, and others to hear his doctrine, and see his miracles: for all expected him at the feast, knowing it was always his custom, as it was his duty, as an Israelite, to attend at it:

and said, where is he ?
not naming his name; either through contempt, which might be the case of the far greater part; or through fear of the Jews; or because that he was so well known.