John 12:42
What does John 12:42 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:42 means
Even among the rulers, many come to a measure of belief in Jesus. Yet they keep it hidden, fearing expulsion from the synagogue. Their caution shows that faith can be real yet fragile, constrained by social pressures. It also exposes a fault line: allegiance divided between Jesus and acceptance by influential peers. This is not an idealized picture of discipleship but an honest one. The verse highlights the cost of public identification with Jesus in that setting and prepares for a searching evaluation of their priorities in the next line.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Nevertheless 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949However, a number even of the rulers had belief in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not say so openly for fear that they might be shut out from the Synagogue:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Still, however, also out of the rulers did many believe in him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing, that they might not be put out of the synagogue,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752However, many of the chief men also believed in him: but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, that they might not be cast out of the synagogue.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Although indeed from among the rulers also many believed on him, but on account of the Pharisees did not confess [him], that they might not be put out of the synagogue:
Context
After affirming that Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory, John records a more hopeful note—some rulers believed. However, he immediately adds the caveat that they did not confess it because of fear. The next verse will explain the heart issue behind this secrecy: love for human glory over God’s. This sets the scene for Jesus’ final public declaration, which calls people to true belief that sees the Father in the Son and to hear His saving words.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of Jehovah, ye that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hate you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, have said, Let Jehovah be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is they that shall be put to shame.
- John 7:48
Hath any of the rulers believed on him, or of the Pharisees?
- Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
- Isaiah 57:11
And of whom hast thou been afraid and in fear, that thou liest, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of long time, and thou fearest me not?
- John 12:11
because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
- 1 John 4:15
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.
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