King James Version

What Does John 10:42 Mean?

John 10:42 in the King James Version says “And many believed on him there.” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And many believed on him there.”

John 10:42 · KJV

Faith

Context

40

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized ; and there he abode.

41

And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

42

And many believed on him there.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And many believed on him there (καὶ πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτὸν ἐκεῖ, kai polloi episteusan eis auton ekei)—The phrase πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν (polloi episteusan, 'many believed') indicates saving faith: ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτόν (episteusan eis auton, 'believed into Him') uses the preposition εἰς (eis, 'into'), signifying commitment to Christ's person, not mere intellectual assent. The location marker ἐκεῖ (ekei, 'there') contrasts this receptive region with Jerusalem's rejection.

This verse demonstrates the sovereignty of evangelism: where John faithfully witnessed and Jesus performed authenticating works, many believed. The contrast is stark—Jerusalem's religious leaders, seeing the same evidence, sought to kill Him; simple people in Perea, remembering John's testimony and witnessing Jesus's works, believed. Faith isn't about access to evidence but willingness to submit to truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This mass belief in Perea (Transjordan) contrasts with John 12:37—in Jerusalem, 'though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.' Geography and social status don't determine faith, but heart receptivity does. These Perean believers formed part of the growing movement that would become the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did many in Perea believe while Jerusalem's religious elite rejected—what made the difference?
  2. How does the combination of faithful witness (John) and authenticating works (Jesus) create optimal conditions for faith?
  3. What does this verse teach about evangelism—that success isn't technique but faithfulness, with God granting the results?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
καὶ1 of 6

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπίστευσαν2 of 6

“believed”

G4100

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

πολλοὶ3 of 6

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐκεῖ4 of 6

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

εἰς5 of 6

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτὸν6 of 6

“him”

G846

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 10:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 10:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 4:41John 7:31John 12:42John 2:23John 4:39John 8:30

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