John 12:39

"that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”"

Key Reflection

In first-century Palestine, when Jesus quoted Isaiah 53:1 (which includes the passage in John 12:39), he was drawing on a prophetic text that spoke of God’s people as blind and deaf to his message. This particular verse from Isaiah suggested that only a select few would understand and believe despite the nation's failure to recognize the messianic fulfillment. For Jesus’ original audience, this would have underscored their own role in fulfilling the prophecy, highlighting both their responsibility and the limited understanding among the broader population, even as they witnessed significant miracles and teachings of Jesus.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 39. They could not believe. See Mr 6:5. "He could there do no mighty works," &c. The words can and could are often used in the Bible to denote the existence of such obstacles as to make a result certain, or as affirming that while one thing exists another thing cannot follow. Thus, Joh 5:44: "How can ye believe which receive honour one of another." That is, while this propensity to seek for honour exists, it will effectually prevent your believing. Thus (Ge 37:4) it is said of the brethren of Joseph that they "could not speak peaceably unto him." That is, while their hatred continued so strong, the other result would follow. See also Mt 12:34; Ro 8:7; Joh 6:60; Am 3:3.

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