John 7:13

13 But no one was brave enough to talk about Jesus openly, because they were afraid 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 At the feast the Jews were looking for him and saying, "Where is that man?"

12 Within the large crowd there, many people were whispering to each other about Jesus. Some said, "He is a good man." Others said, "No, he fools the people."

13 But no one was brave enough to talk about Jesus openly, because they were afraid of the Jews.

14 When the feast was about half over, Jesus went to the Temple and began to teach.

15 The Jews were amazed and said, "This man has never studied in school. How did he learn so much?"