John 12:47

47 If people hear my message and do not obey it, I will not judge them. I came, not to judge the world, but to save it.

John 12:47 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:47

And if any man hear my words and believe not
Men may hear the Gospel of Christ, and not understand it; and they may understand it literally and grammatically, though not spiritually and experimentally, and not believe it; not so much as give credit or an assent to the truth of it, but reject and deny it; for though faith comes by hearing to some, it does not come to all: some receive no profit by hearing it, because it is not mixed with faith by them. The Alexandrian copy, and all the Oriental versions, and also Nonnus, read the last clause thus, "and keep [them] not"; or does not observe them, is negligent of them, and shows no regard, and yields not the obedience of faith to them; the sense is the same.

I judge him not;
I do not accuse him to the Father, nor do I condemn him, nor shall I take vengeance on him for so doing; meaning, that he should do none of these things now, though hereafter he will be a swift witness against him, and will convict and condemn him, and pass sentence on him, and execute it:

for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Christ, at his first coming, came not under the character of a judge, but a Saviour; wherefore suitable to his character, and the end of his coming, he would not accuse, condemn, or judge any man, even the greatest unbelievers in him, and despisers of him, but would leave them to another day, when righteous judgment shall take place.

John 12:47 In-Context

45 Whoever sees me sees also him who sent me.
46 I have come into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.
47 If people hear my message and do not obey it, I will not judge them. I came, not to judge the world, but to save it.
48 Those who reject me and do not accept my message have one who will judge them. The words I have spoken will be their judge on the last day!
49 This is true, because I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has commanded me what I must say and speak.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.