Devine Scripture

John 12:43

What does John 12:43 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:43 means

John diagnoses the root of secret faith: they loved human glory more than the glory that is of God. The praise of people eclipsed the honor that comes from God alone. This piercing evaluation invites self-examination. The allure of reputation can silence conviction, and true discipleship requires valuing God’s approval above all. The verse explains why belief did not issue in confession and why fear ruled their response. It also sets up Jesus’ climactic public cry, in which He will restate the stakes of believing or rejecting His words as the revelation and command of the Father.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the praise of men was dearer to them than the approval of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for they loved glory from men rather than glory fromGod.

Context

John concludes his note about hesitant rulers with a heart analysis. With that, the narrative shifts to Jesus’ final public appeal of this section. He will cry out truths that summarize the themes of the Gospel: believing in Him is believing in the One who sent Him; seeing Him is seeing the Father; He has come as light; He came to save, not to judge, yet His word will judge on the last day; and His words are the Father’s life-giving command.

v.42Nevertheless 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:

v.43This passage

v.44And Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 6:2

    When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

  • Psalms 22:29

    All the fat ones of the earth shall eat and worship: All they that go down to the dust shall bow before him, Even he that cannot keep his soul alive.

  • Romans 2:7

    to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:

  • Matthew 23:5

    But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

  • Luke 19:17

    And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

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