King James Version

What Does John 12:39 Mean?

John 12:39 in the King James Version says “Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,” — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 12:39 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

41

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John explains why they 'could not believe'—not mere inability but judicial hardening. The 'therefore' connects their unbelief to divine sovereignty expressed in Isaiah's prophecy. This introduces divine hardening as consequence of persistent rejection, raising profound questions about human responsibility and divine sovereignty. The statement doesn't exonerate unbelief but explains it: God hardens those who persistently reject light. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of reprobation—God gives some over to their chosen rebellion. Their inability stems from moral corruption, not mere intellectual confusion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul uses similar language in Romans 9-11, explaining Israel's unbelief as divine judicial hardening after repeated rejection. This pattern appears throughout Scripture (Ex 9:12; Is 6:9-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do divine sovereignty and human responsibility coexist in unbelief?
  2. What does judicial hardening teach about the seriousness of rejecting divine revelation?
  3. In what ways does persistent rejection of light result in increased blindness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
διὰ1 of 9
G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 9

“Therefore”

G5124

that thing

οὐκ3 of 9

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἠδύναντο4 of 9

“they could”

G1410

to be able or possible

πιστεύειν5 of 9

“believe”

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

ὅτι6 of 9

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πάλιν7 of 9

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

εἶπεν8 of 9

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἠσαΐας9 of 9

“that Esaias”

G2268

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

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 12:39 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 12:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:382 Peter 2:14Isaiah 6:9-10John 5:44John 6:44Isaiah 44:18-20

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