John 12:39-40 NLT,NIV,ESV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - John 12:40

(40) He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart. . . .—These words are quoted three times in the New Testament. Our Lord, as we have seen, quotes them as explaining His own teaching (Matthew 13:14); St. John quotes them here to explain the rejection of that teaching; St. Paul quotes them in Acts 28:26, to explain the rejection of the Gospel by the Jews at Rome. Yet we are to remember that the prophet and those who quote him are all witnesses that within Israel there were eyes which... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - John 12:1-50

Mixed Motives John 12:9 These words may be read with marked and suggestive differences of emphasis. 'Not for Jesus' sake only 'would seem to be the natural emphasis; 'Not for Jesus' sake only ' would seem to convey another suggestion and meaning. I. Take the words thus: 'Not for Jesus' sake only,' though that might be the principal reason, but also for another reason, namely, that they might see the man whom Jesus Christ had raised from the dead. They did not want to exclude Jesus, but they... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - John 12:37-50

V. RESULTS OF CHRIST’S MANIFESTATION."But though He had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on Him: that the word of Isaiah 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? For this cause they could not believe, for that Isaiah said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and He hardened their heart; lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and should turn, and I... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - John 12:1-50

CHAPTER 12 1. The Feast at Bethany. (John 12:1-8 .) 2. The Entrance into Jerusalem. (John 12:9-19 .) 3. The Inquiring Greeks and His Answer. (John 12:20-33 .) 4. His Final Words. (John 12:34-50 .) From the close of the previous chapter we learn that the Lord had gone with His disciples to a city called Ephraim. Six days before the Passover He came to Bethany again. They made Him a feast. Lazarus is especially mentioned as well as Martha, who served; Mary also was present with others who were... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:1-50

A SUPPER FOR HIM AT BETHANY (vs.1-8) Six days before the Passover He returned to the area of Jerusalem, coming by way of Jericho, as Luke shows us (Luke 19:1-28). These days He spent in ministering mainly in the temple (Luke 21:37); yet the enmity of the Jews could do nothing until God's appointed Passover Day. At Bethany a supper is made for Him (in the house of Simon the leper -- Matthew 26:6), for there has been much affection awakened toward Him in this village. We may be sure He valued... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - John 12:1-50

APPROACH THE HOLY OF HOLIES A footnote of the Scofield Bible which suggests the title of this lesson is well worth quoting: Chapters 12-17 are a progression according to the order of approach to God in the Tabernacle types. Chapter 12 in which Christ speaks of His death answers to the brazen altar of burnt offering, type of the cross. Passing from the altar toward the holy of holies, the laver is next reached answering to chapter 13. With his associate priests now purified, the High Priest... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - John 12:1-50

Walking In the Light Joh 12:35 According to the Revised Version the text reads, "Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not." This word "while" is full of significance and energy. Christ used it more than once. It indicates opportunity, chance, occasion. It is as if one should say, Now is the time: be no longer languid, reluctant, dull of heart; now, behold, this is the day: arise, know the light, and receive it with thankfulness. Jesus Christ himself said, "I must work... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - John 12:34-50

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? (35) Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. (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... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - John 12:39

They could not believe, [3] that is, they would not, says St. Augustine, or it could not be, considering their wilful obstinate blindness. (Witham) --- But where then is the sin, if they could not believe? They could not believe, because they would not. For as it is the glory of the will of God, that it cannot be averse to its own glory, so it is the fault of the will of man, that it cannot believe. (St. Augustine, tract. 53. in Joan.) They could not believe. Since the prophet has foretold it,... read more