John 7:13

13 But no one spoke openly of him for fear of the Jews.

John 7:13 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:13

Howbeit, no man spoke openly of him
So loud as to be overheard, at least by many, but in a secret and whispering way; or did not speak with freedom, or all their mind, what they really thought of him, nor with courage and boldness:

for fear the Jews;
for fear of being mobbed by them, or up and prosecuted, or turned out of the synagogue; for a law was made, that whoever confessed him, should be so used; and this deterred persons from expressing the true sentiments of their minds about him.

John 7:13 In-Context

11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast and said, Where is he?

12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him, for some said, He is a good man; others said, No, but he deceives the people.

13 But no one spoke openly of him for fear of the Jews.

14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught.

15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How does this man know letters, having never learned?