Keraia
John 12

John 12:43

Belief and Unbelief · John 12:37–50
Read John 12

Translations

Modern
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Traditional
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Literal
…for they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God.
Latin
Dilexerunt enim gloriam hominum magis quam gloriam Dei.

Interlinear

Greek
English
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Notes

John 12:42–43

Many people did believe in Jesus. However, they were afraid to admit it in public.

They feared the reaction of the religious leaders and the social consequences that might follow.

To follow Jesus means more than private belief. It includes openly identifying with him and telling others about him, even when this may bring rejection (1:35–51; 4:1–42).

John 12:1–50

  • In this part of John’s Gospel, two stories move forward at the same time.

    First, more and more people begin to praise Jesus. Their excitement reaches a high point when crowds welcome him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy (12:12–13).

    Second, the religious authorities become more determined to arrest Jesus and put him to death. As public support grows, their opposition grows as well.

  • John's Gospel describes three events that happened only days before Passover (12:1–11, 12–19, 20–36). Then he explains why most of the people refused to believe and describes the final public message spoken by Jesus (12:37–50).

Theme notes and profiles

Jewish Leaders The Messiah

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Darkness John, Gospel of Praise

Topics

Approval Confessing Christ: The Fear of Man Prevents Confession of Christ Cowardice: Early Converts Among the Rulers Fame Jesus, the Christ: Verifies the Prophecy of Isaiah Concerning the Unbelieving Jews Opinions Public Opinion: Feared by Rulers, Who Believed in Jesus, but Feared the Pharisees Sin: Love of Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning Worldly Music