Devine Scripture

John 12:38

What does John 12:38 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:38 means

John quotes Isaiah’s lament: who has believed our message, and to whom has the Lord’s arm been revealed? The prophet foresaw a paradox—God’s saving power would be displayed, yet many would not believe. By applying this to Jesus’ ministry, John teaches that the Messiah’s rejection does not nullify God’s plan; it fulfills it. The “arm of the Lord” has been stretched out in Jesus’ works, but hardness persists. This verse reframes unbelief within God’s prophetic script, humbling human pride and assuring believers that their faith, though not universal, stands on the sure word of God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that 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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That the saying of Esaias 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?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that 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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that the words of the prophet Isaiah might come true, when he said, Lord, who has any belief in our preaching? and the arm of the Lord, to whom has it been unveiled?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he said, `Lord, who gave credence to our report? and the arm of the Lord--to whom was it revealed?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That the saying of Isaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he said: Lord, who hath believed our hearing? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that the word of the prophet Esaias which he said might be fulfilled, Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Context

Following the statement of widespread unbelief, John supports it with Scripture. He begins with Isaiah’s question about the report and the revelation of God’s arm. Next he will add Isaiah’s word about God blinding eyes and hardening hearts, describing a judicial response to persistent resistance. He will then assert that Isaiah spoke these things because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke of Him, elevating Jesus as the one in whom Isaiah’s vision finds fulfillment.

v.37But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him:

v.38This passage

v.39For this cause they could not believe, for that Isaiah said again,

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24

    but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

  • Acts 8:28

    and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:14

    but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.

  • Matthew 15:7

    Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,

  • Romans 10:16

    But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

  • John 19:24

    They said therefore one to another, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my garments among them, And upon my vesture did they cast lots.

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