What does John 12:38 mean?

Explanation

John 12:38 references a prophecy spoken by the prophet Isaiah (Esaias in the Greek transliteration).

In its context in the Gospel of John, this verse serves as an explanation for why some people did not believe in Jesus despite the signs and wonders He performed.

The verse implies that the lack of belief fulfills what Isaiah had prophesied long ago. The prophecy speaks to the apparent paradox of the revelation of God’s power (the "arm of the Lord") and the disbelief or lack of acknowledgment by the very people to whom He revealed His might and salvation.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the New Testament, written by John the Evangelist.

The Gospel of John was likely written toward the end of the first century AD.

At that time, early Christians were trying to understand and explain why Jesus, whom they considered the Messiah, was not universally accepted by the Jewish people.

Christianity was also spreading to Gentile nations, and authors like John were looking to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) to make sense of these events and to show that Jesus' life and mission were in fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 12:38 has been interpreted in a few different ways:

• Divine Sovereignty: Some theologians see this as a statement about divine sovereignty, where God’s purposes include the blinding of some to the truth of Jesus as the Messiah, which in turn fulfills prophecy.
• Jewish-Gentile Relations: Others see this passage as expressing a sort of transition from a predominantly Jewish understanding of the faith to one that includes Gentiles, as the disbelief of some Jewish people led to the message of Jesus being brought to other nations.
• Faith and Revelation: The verse raises important questions about the nature of faith and revelation: why some believe and some do not, even when confronted with the same evidence.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of John 12:38 might include:

• Reflecting on Belief: It encourages individuals to reflect on what it means to believe in something or someone and to consider the evidence that leads to belief or disbelief.
• Understanding Prophecy: It serves as a reminder that understanding of prophecy can be complex, and its fulfillment may not be straightforward or obvious.
• Empathy for Unbelief: The verse can prompt believers to have empathy for those who don't believe and to engage in meaningful dialogue rather than judgment.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:1: "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?"
• Romans 10:16: "But they have not all obeyed the gospel.

For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?"

• Isaiah 6:10: "Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "believed" is translated from the word "ἐπίστευσεν" (episteusen), which means to put faith into or to trust in.

"Our report" comes from "τῇ ἀκοῇ" (tē akoē), referring to what has been heard, the message, or report.

The phrase "the arm of the Lord" indicates the power and might of God and reflects the Hebrew idiom for God's active intervention in the world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient myths and religions, the concept of revelation or belief is not always tied to a moral or spiritual truth, as it is in Christianity. For example:

• In Greek mythology, belief in the gods often revolved around acceptance of their direct interventions in the world.
• In Judaism, belief is closely tied to action and adherence to the Law, and prophecies are often linked with calls for repentance.
• In Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, belief systems are more focused on understanding cosmic order or achieving enlightenment through various practices.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, belief formation can be studied by cognitive science and psychology. These fields examine how individuals process information and form beliefs, including religious beliefs.

While science doesn't directly comment on scriptural interpretations, it does offer insights into human behavior and the mechanisms behind why some accept and others reject certain claims or experiences.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have interpreted John 12:38 in different ways:

• Matthew Henry: Henry sees the unbelief of the Jews as fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, showing that the Jews' rejection of Christ was something foretold and part of God's sovereign plan.
• John Calvin: Calvin interprets this prophecy as an indication of the spiritual blindness of the people and the obstinacy of their unbelief.
• William Barclay: Barclay suggests that the people's failure to understand Jesus' message was, in part, due to their expectation of a conquering Messiah, rather than one who would suffer and die.