John 12:37
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Original Language Analysis
Τοσαῦτα
so many
G5118
Τοσαῦτα
so many
Strong's:
G5118
Word #:
1 of 11
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
σημεῖα
miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
4 of 11
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
πεποιηκότος
had done
G4160
πεποιηκότος
had done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
6 of 11
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπίστευον
yet they believed
G4100
ἐπίστευον
yet they believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
9 of 11
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
Cross References
John 1:11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.Luke 16:31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.Matthew 11:20Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:John 15:24If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.John 11:42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Historical Context
John records numerous signs throughout his Gospel (2:11; 4:54; 6:14; 11:47). The crowd's persistent unbelief despite these validates the necessity of divine regeneration for faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What does persistent unbelief despite evidence teach about human depravity?
- How does this demonstrate that faith requires spiritual regeneration, not merely intellectual proof?
- In what ways do you witness people rejecting clear evidence of God's work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Despite 'so many miracles,' the majority don't believe, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy (Is 53:1). The Greek construction emphasizes stubborn unbelief despite overwhelming evidence. Miracles authenticate Jesus' claims but don't guarantee belief—faith requires spiritual regeneration, not merely empirical proof. This demonstrates total depravity: even undeniable evidence doesn't penetrate unregenerate hearts. Their unbelief validates Jesus' earlier teaching about needing spiritual birth (3:3). The fulfillment of Isaiah proves God's sovereignty over even human rebellion.