Anointing at Bethany
John 12:1–11FocusBurial and costly devotion
Connection to the wholeMary's act is interpreted in relation to Jesus' burial, while hostility extends even to Lazarus because of his witness.
interpretation John 12:38
KJVThat the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Read it in context
Summary of Jesus' Public Ministry and the Unbelief of the Jews
Start reading at John 12:37 (John 12:37 to John 12:50).
This unit begins with the evangelist's commentary on the unbelief of the Jews despite Jesus' miracles, explains it through prophecy, and concludes with Jesus' final public words.
- 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
- 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
- 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
- 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.
- 12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
- 12:42 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:
- 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
- 12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
- 12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
- 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
- 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
- 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
- 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
- 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 12:1–12:50): Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Judas, and other guests appear at Bethany. Crowds greet Jesus in Jerusalem; Greeks seek Him through Philip, and Jesus addresses those gathered. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the widespread unbelief in Jesus, despite the many miracles He performed before the people. This unbelief was foretold by the prophet Esaias (Isaiah). stated in the text
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that the rejection of Jesus by many was not unforeseen, but was part of His divine plan, foretold centuries earlier through the prophet Esaias. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over human responses to His revelation. interpretation
- What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative, with the evangelist providing a theological commentary on the preceding events and directly quoting an Old Testament prophecy to explain the people's unbelief. interpretation
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of John was written approximately A.D. 85 to 95. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in the surrounding passage, including Jesus' final public teachings and the people's unbelief, took place around A.D. 30, shortly before His crucifixion. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The events described in the surrounding passage occurred in Jerusalem, specifically during the Passover feast. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, John, was traditionally located in Ephesus when he wrote this Gospel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Summary of Jesus' Public Ministry and the Unbelief of the Jews (John 12:37 to John 12:50). Start reading at John 12:37. This unit begins with the evangelist's commentary on the unbelief of the Jews despite Jesus' miracles, explains it through prophecy, and concludes with Jesus' final public words.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse explains *why* many did not believe in Jesus despite His numerous miracles (John 12:37). It serves as a theological explanation for the widespread unbelief among the Jewish people, linking it directly to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and setting the stage for Jesus' final private teachings to His disciples. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The verse points to Christ by showing that His rejection and the lack of belief in Him were not accidental, but were part of God's predetermined plan, foretold by Esaias (Isaiah 53:1). The 'arm of the Lord' in the prophecy is understood to refer to Christ Himself, the power of God revealed for salvation, whose report many did not believe. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage reminds us that unbelief, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, is a reality foretold in Scripture. It encourages believers to persevere in faith, understanding that God's sovereign plan unfolds even through human rejection, and to continue proclaiming the 'report' of Christ, knowing that some will believe and some will not. interpretation
Cited: John 12:37, John 12:38, Isaiah 53:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
Hearing without understanding
NT explicitly identifies fulfillment
- Old Testament: Isaiah 6:9–10
- New Testament: Matthew 13:10–17
- New Testament: Mark 4:10–12
- New Testament: Luke 8:9–10
- New Testament: John 12:37–41 (current passage)
- New Testament: Acts 28:23–28
The New Testament applies Isaiah's words to resistant hearing. Matthew uses fulfillment language; John connects the unbelief to Isaiah; Acts records Paul's later application. These are related applications, not one single incident.
Who has believed our report?
NT explicitly identifies fulfillment
- Old Testament: Isaiah 53:1
- New Testament: John 12:37–38 (current passage)
John explicitly identifies the unbelief described in his account with Isaiah’s words. This is distinguished from the quotation of Isaiah 6 that follows.
Related passages
- That John 15:25 John 17:12 John 19:24,36-37 Matt 27:35 Acts 13:27-29
- Esaias 2 Chr 32:20
- Isaiah Matt 15:7 Acts 8:28-30 Rom 10:20
- who Isa 53:1 Rom 10:16
- the arm Ps 44:3 Isa 40:10-11 Isa 51:5,9 1 Cor 1:24
- revealed Matt 16:17 2 Cor 3:14-18 2 Cor 4:3-6 Gal 1:16 Eph 1:17-20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 12
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The entry into Jerusalem
John 12:12–19FocusThe king and the witnesses
Connection to the wholeThe crowd's welcome and testimony about Lazarus intensify the leaders' concern and lead toward the arrival of Greek visitors.
interpretation The hour has come
John 12:20–36FocusDeath, fruit, and following
Connection to the wholeJesus uses the grain of wheat and speaks of being lifted up, linking His approaching death with fruitful life and the path of His servants.
interpretation FocusBelief, confession, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe chapter gathers the problem of unbelief and fearful concealment, ending with Jesus' declaration about receiving His word and the Father who sent Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.