John 7:13
What does John 7:13 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:13 means
Though many opinions circulate, no one speaks openly about Jesus, because they fear the Jews—the religious authorities. This fear reveals a controlling environment where public allegiance to Jesus risks exclusion or punishment. Intimidation keeps truth from being confessed and lies from being challenged. The silence testifies to the leaders’ influence and the fragile state of public discourse. It also highlights Jesus’ courage: into this climate, He will soon speak boldly in the temple. The verse exposes how external pressure can shape belief’s expression, though it cannot ultimately stifle the truth of who Jesus is.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yet no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yet no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But no man said anything about him openly for fear of the Jews.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862no one, however, was speaking freely about him, through fear of the Jews.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Yet no man spoke openly of him, for fear of the Jews.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890However, no one spoke openly concerning him on account of [their] fear of the Jews.
Context
After the murmuring and divided judgments, the narrative notes the chilling effect of fear. This prepares for a dramatic shift: at mid-feast, Jesus teaches openly, breaking the unspoken gag order (verse 14). The people’s quiet speculation will collide with His public declaration, leading to amazement, debate over His credentials, and growing hostility as He exposes hypocrisy and asserts divine sending (verses 15–18).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 12:42
Nevertheless 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:
- John 19:38
And after these things Joseph of Arimathæa, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body.
- John 20:19
When therefore it was evening, on that day, the firstdayof the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
- John 9:22
These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
- John 3:2
the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him.
- Revelation 2:13
I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
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