Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? — the Jewish authorities are actively searching for Jesus ('sought him'), indicating that the danger mentioned in 7:1 is real and present. The festive crowds ask questions about Jesus's whereabouts, suggesting he is famous and anticipated. The seeking of 'the Jews' (the authorities) is predatory; the crowd's questions are more neutral curiosity. This sets up the tension that will unfold: the authorities want to arrest him; the crowds are divided about who he is.

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