Devine Scripture

John 12:37

What does John 12:37 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:37 means

Despite the abundance of signs, many remain unmoved in unbelief. This verse confronts the reality that miracles alone cannot overcome a hardened heart. John does not flatter the crowd; he names the tragedy plainly. The failure to believe is not due to lack of light but refusal to receive it. The verse sets up the theological explanation that follows, where Scripture is shown to have anticipated such a response. It invites sober reflection: evidence is plentiful, but faith is not automatic. God’s signs call for trust, and the refusal to believe persists even in the face of compelling works.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But though he had done such a number of signs before them, they still had no belief in him:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

yet he having done so many signs before them, they were not believing in him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And whereas he had done so many miracles before them, they believed not in him:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But though he had done so many signs before them, they believed not on him,

Context

After Jesus withdraws, John offers an assessment of the people’s response to His public ministry. He states that many did not believe despite the signs. The next verses will cite Isaiah to explain this unbelief as fulfillment of Scripture—first with a lament about the report being rejected, then with a statement about blindness and hardening. John will also note that Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory, tying the prophecy directly to Christ.

v.36While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.

v.37This passage

v.38that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 11:20

    Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.

  • John 1:11

    He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not.

  • Luke 16:31

    And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.

  • John 15:24

    If I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

  • John 11:42

    And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 12:37.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary