John 12:42
New International Version
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;

New Living Translation
Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.

English Standard Version
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue;

Berean Standard Bible
Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.

Berean Literal Bible
Nevertheless, indeed many even of the rulers believed in Him, but on account of the Pharisees they were not confessing, so that they might not be put out of the synagogue.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;

New American Standard Bible
Nevertheless many, even of the rulers, believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, so that they would not be excommunicated from the synagogue;

NASB 1995
Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;

NASB 1977
Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;

Legacy Standard Bible
Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;

Amplified Bible
Nevertheless, even many of the leading men believed in Him [as Savior and Messiah], but because of the Pharisees they would not confess it, for fear that [if they acknowledged Him openly] they would be put out of the synagogue (excommunicated);

Christian Standard Bible
Nevertheless, many did believe in him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, so that they would not be banned from the synagogue.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Nevertheless, many did believe in Him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they would not be banned from the synagogue.

American Standard Version
Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

Contemporary English Version
Even then, many of the leaders put their faith in Jesus, but they did not tell anyone about it. The Pharisees had already given orders for the people not to have anything to do with anyone who had faith in Jesus.

English Revised Version
Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Many rulers believed in Jesus. However, they wouldn't admit it publicly because the Pharisees would have thrown them out of the synagogue.

Good News Translation
Even then, many Jewish authorities believed in Jesus; but because of the Pharisees they did not talk about it openly, so as not to be expelled from the synagogue.

International Standard Version
Yet many people, even some of the authorities, believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not admit it so they would not be thrown out of the synagogue.

Majority Standard Bible
Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.

NET Bible
Nevertheless, even among the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they would not confess Jesus to be the Christ, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue.

New Heart English Bible
Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue,

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

Weymouth New Testament
Nevertheless even from among the Rulers many believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not avow their belief, for fear they should be shut out from the synagogue.

World English Bible
Nevertheless, even many of the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn’t confess it, so that they wouldn’t be put out of the synagogue,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Still, however, out of the rulers many also believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing, that they might not be put out of the synagogue,

Berean Literal Bible
Nevertheless, indeed many even of the rulers believed in Him, but on account of the Pharisees they were not confessing, so that they might not be put out of the synagogue.

Young's Literal Translation
Still, however, also out of the rulers did many believe in him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing, that they might not be put out of the synagogue,

Smith's Literal Translation
Yet nevertheless also many of the rulers believed in him; but on account of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge, lest they should be excluded from the synagogue:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
However, many of the chief men also believed in him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, that they might not be cast out of the synagogue.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, many of the leaders also believed in him. But because of the Pharisees, they did not confess him, so that they would not be cast out of the synagogue.

New American Bible
Nevertheless, many, even among the authorities, believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge it openly in order not to be expelled from the synagogue.

New Revised Standard Version
Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Many of the leading men also believed in him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they might not be cast out of the synagogue.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Many also among the Leaders believed in him, but they were not confessing him because of the Pharisees, lest they would end up outside of the synagogue.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But yet, many even of the rulers believed on him; but on account of the Pharisees, they would not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;

Godbey New Testament
Nevertheless indeed many of the rulers also believed on Him; but they were not confessing Him on account of the Pharisees, in order that they might not be put out of the synagogues:

Haweis New Testament
However, notwithstanding, many even of the rulers believed on him; but on account of the Pharisees they did not make open profession, lest they should be put out of the synagogues:

Mace New Testament
nevertheless there were many even among the chief rulers, who believed on him; but they did not own it publickly for fear the Pharisees should excommunicate them.

Weymouth New Testament
Nevertheless even from among the Rulers many believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not avow their belief, for fear they should be shut out from the synagogue.

Worrell New Testament
Yet, however, even from among the rulers, many believed on Him; but, because of the Pharisees, they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;

Worsley New Testament
There were however many of the chief rulers that believed on Him; but because of the pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be excommunicated.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Belief and Unbelief
41Isaiah said these things because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him. 42Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. 43For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.…

Cross References
John 7:13
Yet no one would speak publicly about Him for fear of the Jews.

John 9:22
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already determined that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.

John 19:38
Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body.

Matthew 10:32-33
Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. / But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.

Luke 12:8-9
I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God. / But whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

Matthew 23:5-7
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.

Acts 5:41-42
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. / Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

1 John 4:15
If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

1 John 2:23
Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.

Isaiah 51:7
Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.

Isaiah 53:1
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Jeremiah 38:19
But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may deliver me into their hands to abuse me.”


Treasury of Scripture

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:

among.

John 3:2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 7:48-51
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? …

John 11:45
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

they did not.

Matthew 10:32
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Luke 12:8
Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

lest.

John 7:13
Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

John 9:22,34
These 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 16:2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

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Account Although Authorities Avow Belief Believe Believed Chief Confess Confessing Fear However Indeed Nevertheless Openly Pharisees Rulers Shut Synagogue Time Wouldn't
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John 12
1. Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.
9. The people flock to see Lazarus.
10. The chief priests consult to kill him.
12. Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
20. Greeks desire to see Jesus.
23. He foretells his death.
37. The people are generally blinded;
42. yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;
44. therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.














Nevertheless
This word serves as a transition, indicating a contrast or exception to what has been previously stated. In the context of John 12, it highlights the surprising reality that despite the widespread unbelief and rejection of Jesus, there were still those among the Jewish leaders who believed in Him. The Greek word "ὅμως" (homōs) underscores the persistence of faith even in adverse conditions, reminding us that God's truth can penetrate even the hardest of hearts.

many of the leaders
The term "leaders" refers to the Jewish authorities, likely members of the Sanhedrin or other influential figures within the religious community. Historically, these leaders were expected to uphold and protect Jewish traditions. Their belief in Jesus signifies a significant internal conflict, as they were torn between their positions of power and the truth they recognized in Christ. This phrase challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the courage required to follow Jesus, even when it contradicts societal or institutional expectations.

believed in Him
The Greek word for "believed" is "ἐπίστευσαν" (episteusan), derived from "πιστεύω" (pisteuō), meaning to have faith or trust. This belief was not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction about Jesus' identity and mission. In the Gospel of John, belief is a central theme, emphasizing a personal and transformative relationship with Christ. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of true belief, which goes beyond acknowledgment to a life-changing commitment.

but because of the Pharisees
The Pharisees were a prominent religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. Their influence was significant, and they often opposed Jesus, perceiving Him as a threat to their authority. The phrase highlights the social and religious pressure faced by those who believed in Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the challenges believers may encounter when their faith conflicts with established norms or authorities.

they did not confess Him
To "confess" in Greek is "ὡμολόγουν" (hōmologoun), meaning to declare openly or profess. The leaders' reluctance to confess Jesus publicly reveals the tension between private belief and public declaration. This phrase underscores the importance of openly acknowledging one's faith, as true belief naturally seeks expression. It challenges believers to consider the implications of their faith and the courage required to stand for Christ in the face of opposition.

for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue
Being "put out of the synagogue" was a form of excommunication, resulting in social and religious isolation. The synagogue was central to Jewish community life, and exclusion from it meant losing one's place in society. This fear reflects the significant cost associated with following Jesus, as believers risked losing their status, relationships, and community. The phrase calls us to examine what we value most and to prioritize our allegiance to Christ above all else, trusting in His provision and community.

(42) Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him.--This is strongly asserted in opposition to the spiritual blindness of the nation. There were, notwithstanding, many even in the Sanhedrin itself who believed on Him.

But because of the Pharisees they did not confess.--Comp. Note on John 9:22. It seems from the present passage that the Pharisees were the most determined foes of Christ, and that even the rulers were kept in awe by their threat of excommunication. This submission to the Pharisees' yoke which kept them from Christ was itself blinding their eyes and hardening their hearts. They are at once, therefore, the exception to, and the illustration of, the principle of which St. John was speaking. They had the power to see the truth, but they had not the will to face boldly the results of their own convictions, and the unused power ceased to exist. (Comp. Romans 10:10.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Nevertheless,
ὅμως (homōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 3676: Yet, nevertheless, even. Adverb from the base of homou; at the same time, i.e. notwithstanding, yet still.

many
πολλοὶ (polloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

leaders
ἀρχόντων (archontōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 758: Present participle of archo; a first.

believed
ἐπίστευσαν (episteusan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Him;
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

because of
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Pharisees
Φαρισαίους (Pharisaious)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

they did not confess [Him],
ὡμολόγουν (hōmologoun)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3670: From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.

for fear that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

they would be
γένωνται (genōntai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

put out of the synagogue.
ἀποσυνάγωγοι (aposynagōgoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 656: Away from the synagogue, expelled from the synagogue, excommunicated. From apo and sunagoge; excommunicated.


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