John 7:13

13 But no one would say anything about him openly. 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 watching for him. They were asking, "Where is he?"

12 Many people in the crowd were whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No. He fools the people."

13 But no one would say anything about him openly. They were afraid of the Jews.

14 Jesus did nothing until halfway through the Feast. Then he went up to the temple courtyard and began to teach.

15 The Jews were amazed. They asked, "How did this man learn so much without studying?"