John 12:38
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?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the saying
G3056
λόγος
the saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
3 of 21
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
6 of 21
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
πληρωθῇ
might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
7 of 21
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τίνι
to whom
G5101
τίνι
to whom
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐπίστευσεν
hath believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσεν
hath believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
12 of 21
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?Romans 10:16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?Romans 10:20But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.1 Corinthians 1:24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.Psalms 44:3For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.Matthew 16:17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.Galatians 1:16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:2 Chronicles 32:20And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.
Historical Context
Isaiah 53 is the Bible's clearest suffering servant prophecy, written 700 years before Christ. Early Christians extensively used this chapter to understand Jesus' death and interpret Jewish rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Isaiah's ancient prophecy demonstrate Scripture's divine inspiration?
- What does 'the arm of the Lord revealed' teach about faith as divine gift?
- In what ways does suffering servant theology challenge triumphalist Christianity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John quotes Isaiah 53:1, applying the suffering servant prophecy to Jesus' rejection. 'Who hath believed our report?' anticipates widespread rejection. 'The arm of the Lord' symbolizes divine power revealed in Messiah. Isaiah predicted that few would recognize God's power in the suffering servant. This Old Testament prophecy explained the first century's mass unbelief, demonstrating Scripture's prophetic accuracy. The question 'who?' implies 'very few,' validated by Jesus' experience. Belief is divine gift, not human achievement, since the arm of the Lord must be revealed.