John 12 42

John 12:42 kjv

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:

John 12:42 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;

John 12:42 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;

John 12:42 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;

John 12:42 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.

John 12 verses

John 12 42 Meaning

This verse describes a significant spiritual reality: many rulers believed in Jesus, but because of their fear of the Pharisees, they did not openly confess Him. This kept their faith hidden, preventing them from receiving the full benefits of public identification with Christ and hindering their potential influence for the Gospel.

John 12 42 Context

This verse occurs in John chapter 12, during Jesus' final week in Jerusalem before His crucifixion. Just prior to this, Jesus had made a public entrance into the city (the Triumphal Entry), attracting significant crowds and causing the religious authorities to become even more anxious. The preceding verses (John 12:20-41) detail His teaching and interactions, including the Greeks who sought to see Him, and His own reflection on His upcoming death and glorification, which he compares to a grain of wheat falling into the earth. John 12:42 follows Jesus' discourse on His divine authority and mission.

Historically, the religious leadership, particularly the Pharisees and chief priests, held significant power and influence. They enforced religious laws strictly and actively sought to suppress any movement that threatened their authority or traditional interpretations of Judaism. Those who publicly associated with Jesus, who was seen by many as a threat, risked ostracization, social disgrace, or even more severe penalties such as excommunication from the synagogue. This "fear of the Jews" refers to the prevailing apprehension of facing consequences from this dominant religious and social system.

John 12 42 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and." A common conjunction, connecting phrases or clauses.
• οὖν (oun): "therefore," "then." Indicates a logical consequence or conclusion.
• ἐκ (ek): "from," "out of." Implies origin or source.
• τῶν (ton): "the" (genitive plural masculine definite article).
• ἀρχόντων (archonton): "rulers," "chiefs," "leaders." In this context, it refers to influential men within the Jewish leadership, such as members of the Sanhedrin or prominent figures who held positions of authority. This is not necessarily the highest echelon, but those in positions of leadership.
• πολλοὶ (polloi): "many." Indicates a significant number, though not necessarily all.
• ἐπίστευσαν (episteusan): "believed." This signifies a genuine acknowledgment and trust, not merely intellectual assent. It reflects faith in Jesus' identity and message.
• εἰς (eis): "into," "in." A preposition indicating direction or into something.
• αὐτὸν (auton): "Him" (accusative masculine singular personal pronoun). Refers to Jesus.
• διὰ (dia): "because of," "through." Indicates the cause or means.
• τοὺς (tous): "the" (accusative plural masculine definite article).
• Φαρισαίους (Pharisaious): "Pharisees." A prominent religious sect in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and tradition, and often depicted as Jesus' opponents.
• οὐχ (ouch): "not."
• ὁμολογοῦσαν (homologousan): "confessing" (present participle, accusative plural feminine, agreeing with implied 'persons' or indirectly linked to the subject's state of faith). Denotes an ongoing action of verbal agreement or declaration.
• ἵνα (hina): "so that," "in order that." Introduces a purpose clause.
• ἐκ (ek): "from," "out of."
• τῆς (tes): "the" (genitive singular feminine definite article).
• συναγωγῆς (synagoges): "synagogue." The Jewish place of worship and community assembly. Being cast out of the synagogue (a form of excommunication) was a severe social and spiritual penalty, leading to complete alienation.
• ἀποβάλλωσιν (apoballosin): "they might be cast out," "they might lose," "they might reject." From apoballō, meaning to throw off, cast away, or lose. Here, it carries the sense of expulsion or rejection by the community.

Group Analysis:

• "many rulers believed in Him": This phrase highlights that the impact of Jesus’ ministry was not limited to the common people but also extended to influential individuals within the ruling class.
• "because of the Pharisees": This clearly identifies the primary source of the fear and hesitation – the powerful influence and condemnation wielded by the Pharisees.
• "lest they should be put out of the synagogue": This clarifies the specific consequence they feared: exclusion from the religious and social community, which in that era was deeply intertwined. This also reflects the earlier verses where exclusion was a consequence of confessing Christ (John 9:22).

John 12 42 Bonus Section

The concept of "being cast out of the synagogue" (apoballosin) was particularly severe in the first century. It often involved formal pronouncements and resulted in a complete severance from Jewish communal and religious life. This penalty, sometimes called herem, was a profound social death. The early church faced similar pressures, as recorded in Acts, where believers were often persecuted and excluded for their faith.

The fear here can also be seen as a struggle between loyalty to the traditional religious system represented by the Pharisees and loyalty to the new truth revealed in Jesus. This conflict mirrors ongoing human struggles with embracing radical change and speaking truth in the face of entrenched opposition. It underscores the spiritual maturity required to let go of societal approval for divine validation.

John 12 42 Commentary

The verse exposes a critical tension between inner conviction and outward testimony. The rulers who "believed in Him" experienced a genuine work of faith, recognizing Jesus' divine identity and authority. However, their faith remained incomplete due to a debilitating fear of societal repercussions, specifically exclusion from the synagogue. This fear, instigated and enforced by the Pharisees, choked the fruit of their faith. Their faith was essentially covert, driven by a concern for their reputation and position within the existing religious framework rather than a fearless commitment to Christ and His kingdom.

This passage serves as a profound warning about the cost of discipleship. True faith, as depicted throughout Scripture, calls for a bold confession and an open alignment with Jesus, even when it means facing opposition or loss. The lack of outward confession hindered not only the spiritual growth of these rulers but also their potential to influence others toward Christ. The fear of man, the love of human glory mentioned in the next verse, ultimately overshadowed the desire for divine affirmation.