John 12:43

43 For they loved the praise of men more than praise from God.

John 12:43 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:43

For they loved the praise of men
To be in the esteem of men, to have their applause, and receive honour from them:

more than the praise of God;
than either to receive honour from him, and be praised by him, or to praise and glorify him. By confessing Christ they knew they should run the risk of losing their places of honour and profit, and of falling under the disgrace and contempt of men; and therefore they chose rather not to confess Christ, than by so doing to glorify God, and please him, and be praised by him, as all the faithful professors of Christ will be at the last day; for then every such an one will have praise of God, and it will be said, well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.

John 12:43 In-Context

41 Isaiah said these [things] because he saw his glory, and he spoke about him.

42 Yet despite that, even many of the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [it], so that they would not be expelled from the synagogue.

43 For they loved the praise of men more than praise from God.

44 But Jesus cried out and said, "The one who believes in me does not believe in me, but in the one who sent me,

45 and the one who sees me sees the one who sent me.