Either "some," or "certain," or "many" £ must be supposed to complete the text of the oldest manuscripts. [Certain] of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words ( λόγων, referring to John 7:37, John 7:38), said, This is of a truth the Prophet.
In all probability "the Prophet" predicted by Deuteronomy 18:15, whom the Lord God would raise up to them (cf. Acts 3:22; notes, John 1:21 and John 6:14). This was one of the grand features of the Old Testament conception of the Coming One.
Whether even the wisest of them had learned to combine all these features of Prophet, Priest, and King, of Shiloh, of the Branch of the Lord, of the Lamb of God, and Prince of Peace, into one individual, is open to doubt.
They might believe that their eyes saw much, and yet wait for more (cf. John the Baptist's message from the prison).