John 7:48
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
Original Language Analysis
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 12
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 #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπίστευσεν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσεν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 12
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 #:
7 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 12
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
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
John 12:42Nevertheless 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:1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.1 Corinthians 1:20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?John 7:26But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
Historical Context
First-century Jewish society was hierarchical—the religious elite's opinions carried weight. Yet Jesus's followers were predominantly common people, fishermen, tax collectors, women—the despised and marginalized (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). God chose the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong. Throughout church history, the gospel often spreads among the marginalized before penetrating elite circles. This continues God's pattern of exalting the humble and humbling the proud.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the gospel often reach common people before elites?
- What spiritual dangers face those with status, education, or authority?
- How do we avoid dismissing truth because common people believe it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? The Pharisees appeal to authority—no rulers or Pharisees believe, implying belief would be foolish. This argument from elite consensus dismisses the common people's faith. Yet it's false—Nicodemus (verse 50) was a Pharisee ruler who believed, as was Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38-39). More rulers believed secretly (John 12:42) but feared confession. The appeal to authority fallacy substitutes expert opinion for truth investigation.