Then the Jews sought him - By Jews here are to be understood the scribes, Pharisees, and rulers of the people, and not the inhabitants of the province of Judea. It appears, from the following verses, that many of the people were prejudiced in his favor, but they dared not to own it publicly for fear of the Jews, i.e. for fear of the rulers of the people.

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.

Then (οὖν)

Better, therefore; because He did not come up with the Galilaeans.

Sought (ἐζήτουν)

The imperfect: kept seeking; persistently sought for Him.

He (ἐκεῖνος)

Emphatic: that one of whom we have heard, and whom we once saw.

Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

7:11 The Jews sought him. The Jews in John almost always means the ruling class at Jerusalem.

7:11 The Jews - The men of Judea, particularly of Jerusalem.

11-13. Jews-the rulers.

sought him-for no good end.

Where is He?-He had not been at Jerusalem for probably a year and a half.

7:1-13 The brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted, when they found there was no prospect of worldly advantages from him. Ungodly men sometimes undertake to counsel those employed in the work of God; but they only advise what appears likely to promote present advantages. The people differed about his doctrine and miracles, while those who favoured him, dared not openly to avow their sentiments. Those who count the preachers of the gospel to be deceivers, speak out, while many who favour them, fear to get reproach by avowing regard for them.