John 2:24
But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 13
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐπίστευεν
commit
G4100
ἐπίστευεν
commit
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 13
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
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 13
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 13
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
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
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
Cross References
John 6:64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Acts 1:24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.Matthew 9:4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?John 16:30Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.John 5:42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Historical Context
Jesus' response demonstrates both omniscience and wisdom. He knew that enthusiasm based on miracles was unreliable. Throughout His ministry, He withdrew from crowds attempting to make Him king (John 6:15). Popular support couldn't be trusted because He knew what was in man's heart.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jesus not trust those who believed because of signs?
- What does this teach about the relationship between popularity and genuine faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Remarkably, 'Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.' Despite their belief, Jesus withheld full trust. The verb 'commit' (pisteuo) is the same as 'believe'—they believed in Him, but He didn't believe in them. His perfect knowledge of human nature prevented naive trust in popularity. The crowds' enthusiasm would soon turn to 'Crucify Him!'