John 12:39
Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
G1223
διὰ
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 9
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πιστεύειν
believe
G4100
πιστεύειν
believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
5 of 9
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
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:John 10:38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
Historical Context
Paul uses similar language in Romans 9-11, explaining Israel's unbelief as divine judicial hardening after repeated rejection. This pattern appears throughout Scripture (Ex 9:12; Is 6:9-10).
Questions for Reflection
- How do divine sovereignty and human responsibility coexist in unbelief?
- What does judicial hardening teach about the seriousness of rejecting divine revelation?
- In what ways does persistent rejection of light result in increased blindness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John explains why they 'could not believe'—not mere inability but judicial hardening. The 'therefore' connects their unbelief to divine sovereignty expressed in Isaiah's prophecy. This introduces divine hardening as consequence of persistent rejection, raising profound questions about human responsibility and divine sovereignty. The statement doesn't exonerate unbelief but explains it: God hardens those who persistently reject light. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of reprobation—God gives some over to their chosen rebellion. Their inability stems from moral corruption, not mere intellectual confusion.