John 12:42

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅμως
G3676
Nevertheless
at the same time, i.e., (conjunctionally) notwithstanding, yet still
#2
μέντοι
G3305
indeed though, i.e., however
#3
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ἐκ
G1537
among
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀρχόντων
G758
the chief rulers
a first (in rank or power)
#7
πολλοὶ
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#8
ἐπίστευσαν
G4100
believed
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
#9
εἰς
G1519
on
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#10
αὐτόν
G846
him
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
#11
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#12
διὰ
G1223
because
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#13
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Φαρισαίους
G5330
of the Pharisees
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
#15
οὐχ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
ὡμολόγουν
G3670
confess
to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge
#17
ἵνα
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#18
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#19
ἀποσυνάγωγοι
G656
put out of the synagogue
excommunicated
#20
γένωνται·
G1096
they should be
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

The faith and obedience theme here intersects with the proper human response to divine revelation across Scripture. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of faith and obedience within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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