What does John 12:39 mean?

Explanation

John 12:39 reads as follows in the King James Version: "Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,".

This verse is part of a broader narrative where Jesus is discussing the nature of belief and unbelief among the people, specifically the Jews of His time.

The verse indicates that the reason some people could not believe in Jesus is related to a prophecy made by Isaiah (Esaias).

The implication is that their inability to believe was, in some way, a fulfillment of what had been prophesied.

It highlights a theme of divine judgement and hardened hearts, suggesting that there was a spiritual dimension at work that went beyond mere human decision.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the Gospel of John, which was likely written towards the end of the first century AD.

The Gospel was written in a time when the early Christian community was reflecting on why many Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah.

John is addressing a Christian audience that was likely perplexed by the widespread rejection of Jesus by Jewish leaders and many of the Jewish people.

The "Esaias" mentioned is the Greek name for the Hebrew prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah prophesied about 700 years before Christ.

The specific passages in Isaiah that John seems to be referencing are Isaiah 6:9-10 and Isaiah 53:1, which speak about the people's inability to understand and believe the revelations of God.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant for several reasons. First, it addresses the concept of predestination, suggesting that certain events occur according to divine plan or prophecy.

Additionally, it deals with the mystery of unbelief among those who have witnessed the signs and wonders of Jesus.

For Calvinist theologians, this could be interpreted as evidence for the doctrine of total depravity and unconditional election, where some individuals are predestined to unbelief.

On the other hand, Arminian theology would emphasize free will, indicating that the people's hardness of heart was a result of their own choices despite the prophecy.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, this verse serves as a reminder that faith is not simply a matter of intellectual assent but also involves a spiritual awakening or enlightening that may not happen for everyone.

It encourages believers to understand that rejection of faith by others may be due to factors beyond simple persuasion or evidence.

This can cultivate a sense of humility and patience in relating to those who do not share the same beliefs.

Cross-References

Here are verses related to John 12:39:

• Isaiah 6:9-10: "And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not."
• Isaiah 53:1: "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?"
• John 12:40: "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."
• Romans 9:18: "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth."

Language Study

While the original Greek text does not offer intricate details in the phrase itself, the concept conveyed relies on the word "believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō) which in the Greek has a connotation not just of intellectual ascent but of placing trust and confidence in something or someone.

The Protestant Reformation's Greek text and resulting translations underscore the significance of faith as personal trust in Christ, beyond mere acceptance of facts.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious contexts of the ancient Near East, prophecies about spiritual blindness or hardness of heart were not unique to Judaism.

Many religious traditions included notions of predestined events or people being spiritually blinded to certain truths.

However, the idea of a prophecy predicting the rejection of a central figure like the Messiah is distinctly Judeo-Christian.

Scientific Perspectives

Science primarily addresses empirical understanding and does not necessarily intersect directly with beliefs or prophecy.

However, the field of psychology may offer insight into the phenomenon of belief formation, cognitive biases, and resistance to belief change, providing an empirical framework for understanding why some individuals may not accept new beliefs or ideologies.

Commentaries

Various commentaries have differing interpretations of this verse.

The general consensus is that John is emphasizing the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy as a divine explanation for the Jews' inability to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, views it as part of God's sovereign plan and a punishment for the people's willful unbelief.

The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the verse underscores human responsibility in unbelief, noting that the message of Isaiah still required a response from the people.

Overall, commentators recognize John 12:39 as a complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the realm of faith and belief.