John Gill Commentary John 7:9

"And having said these things unto them, he abode [still] in Galilee." — John 7:9 (ASV)

When he had said these words to them Had exhorted them to go up to the feast, and told them that he should not go yet, and the reason of it:

he remained [still] in Galilee; and went not up with his brethren, nor at all at present; thereby showing a firmness and resolution of mind, not using lightness of speech; and his words were not 'yes' and 'no', but consistent, and he stood by them.