John 12:42
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
Original Language Analysis
ὅμως
Nevertheless
G3676
ὅμως
Nevertheless
Strong's:
G3676
Word #:
1 of 20
at the same time, i.e., (conjunctionally) notwithstanding, yet still
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
among
G1537
ἐκ
among
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
7 of 20
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
8 of 20
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
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 20
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
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίους
of the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίους
of the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
14 of 20
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
18 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Isaiah 51:7Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.John 7:13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.Proverbs 29:25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Matthew 10:32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.Isaiah 57:11And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.Acts 5:41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.1 John 4:15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.1 John 4:2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
Historical Context
Synagogue excommunication (being 'put out') meant religious and social ostracism (9:22). This severe penalty explains the rulers' fear. Nicodemus (3:1; 7:50; 19:39) and Joseph of Arimathea (19:38) exemplify secret believers.
Questions for Reflection
- What's the difference between genuine faith and secret belief that fears confession?
- How does fear of man prevent bold Christian witness?
- In what areas does social pressure tempt you to hide your faith in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless, many 'even among the chief rulers' believed, but secretly 'because of the Pharisees,' fearing synagogue excommunication. This demonstrates faith that lacks courage, belief without confession. Their fear of man overcomes love for God, revealing immature or false faith. Secret discipleship is oxymoron—true faith confesses Christ (Rom 10:9). Their fear demonstrates how social pressure suppresses truth. Synagogue exclusion meant social, economic, and religious ostracism, a high cost requiring courage. Their example warns against valuing human approval above divine approval.