King James Version

What Does John 12:38 Mean?

John 12:38 in the King James Version says “That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to who... — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

John 12:38 · KJV


Context

36

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

37

But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

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?

39

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John quotes Isaiah 53:1, applying the suffering servant prophecy to Jesus' rejection. 'Who hath believed our report?' anticipates widespread rejection. 'The arm of the Lord' symbolizes divine power revealed in Messiah. Isaiah predicted that few would recognize God's power in the suffering servant. This Old Testament prophecy explained the first century's mass unbelief, demonstrating Scripture's prophetic accuracy. The question 'who?' implies 'very few,' validated by Jesus' experience. Belief is divine gift, not human achievement, since the arm of the Lord must be revealed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 53 is the Bible's clearest suffering servant prophecy, written 700 years before Christ. Early Christians extensively used this chapter to understand Jesus' death and interpret Jewish rejection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Isaiah's ancient prophecy demonstrate Scripture's divine inspiration?
  2. What does 'the arm of the Lord revealed' teach about faith as divine gift?
  3. In what ways does suffering servant theology challenge triumphalist Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἵνα1 of 21

That

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

2 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος3 of 21

the saying

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

Ἠσαΐου4 of 21

of Esaias

G2268

hesaias (i.e., jeshajah), an israelite

τοῦ5 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφήτου6 of 21

the prophet

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

πληρωθῇ7 of 21

might be fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ὃν8 of 21

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶπεν9 of 21

he spake

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

κυρίου10 of 21

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τίνι11 of 21

to whom

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐπίστευσεν12 of 21

hath 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

τῇ13 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκοῇ14 of 21

report

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

ἡμῶν15 of 21

our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ16 of 21

and

G2532

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

17 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βραχίων18 of 21

hath the arm

G1023

the arm, i.e., (figuratively) strength

κυρίου19 of 21

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τίνι20 of 21

to whom

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἀπεκαλύφθη21 of 21

been revealed

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose


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 12:38 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 12:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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