King James Version
John 12:42
42Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
John 12:42 in other versions
- New International Version (NIV)Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;
- English Standard Version (ESV)Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue;
- New King James Version (NKJV)Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;
- New Living Translation (NLT)Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
Context of John 12:42
40He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
Read all of John 12John 12:42 word by word
ὅμως μέντοι καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἀρχόντων πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτόν, ἀλλὰ διὰ τοὺς Φαρισαίους οὐχ ὡμολόγουν, ἵνα μὴ ἀποσυνάγωγοι γένωνται.Read the interlinear
- Neverthelessὅμωςhomōs · just asG3676
- amongἐκek ex · out fromG1537
- the chief rulersὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
- the chief rulersἄρχωνarchōn · rulerG758
- alsoκαίkai · andG2532
- manyπολύςpolus polos · muchG4183
- believedπιστεύωpisteuō · to trust (in)G4100
- onεἰςeis · towardG1519
- himαὐτόςautos · it/s/heG846
- butἀλλάalla · butG235
- becauseδιάdia · through/because ofG1223
- of the PhariseesΦαρισαῖοςPharisaios · PhariseeG5330
- they didὁμολογέωhomologeō · to confess/professG3670
- notοὐou · noG3756
- lestἵναhina · in order that/toG2443
- they should beγίνομαιginomai · to beG1096
- put out of the synagogueἀποσυνάγωγοςaposunagōgos · excommunicatedG656
- ·μέντοιmentoi · yetG3305
- ·μήmē · notG3361
Cross-references for John 12:42
- John 3:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
- John 7:48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
- John 11:45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
- John 19:38And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
- Matthew 10:32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
- Luke 12:8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
- Romans 10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
- 1 John 4:2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
- John 7:13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
- John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
- John 16:2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
- Proverbs 29:25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
- Isaiah 51:7Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
- Isaiah 57:11And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?
- Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
- Matthew 26:69Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
Commentaries on John 12:42
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 42Among the chief rulers - many believed on him - We only know the names of two of them, Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea. But - they did not confess him - Or it: they were as yet weak in the faith, and could not bear the reproach of the cross of Christ. Besides, the principal rulers had determined to excommunicate every person who acknowledged Christ for the Messiah; see John 9:22.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 42The chief rulers - Members of the Sanhedrin - Nicodemus, Joseph, and others like them. Because of the Pharisees - The Pharisees were a majority of the council. Did not confess him - Did not openly avow their belief that he was the Messiah. Two of them, however, did afterward evince their attachment to him. These were Joseph and Nicodemus, John 19:38-39. That Joseph was one of them appears from Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50-51. Put out of the synagogue…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 37-43Verses 37-43 Observe the method of conversion implied here. Sinners are brought to see the reality of Divine things, and to have some knowledge of them. To be converted, and truly turned from sin to Christ, as their Happiness and Portion. God will heal them, will justify and sanctify them; will pardon their sins, which are as bleeding wounds, and mortify their corruptions, which are as lurking diseases. See the power of the world in smothering…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 42-43Many 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).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 42-4342-43. among the chief rulers also--rather, "even of the rulers"; such as Nicodemus and Joseph. because of the Pharisees--that is, the leaders of the sects; for they were of it themselves. put out of the synagogue--See Joh 9:22, 34.Read the comment
Topics related to John 12:42
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on John 12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Catena Aurea
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- John Lightfoot Commentary
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
King James Version — Public Domain except in the United Kingdom (Crown rights)
Commentaries