John 7:13

13 But no man said anything about him openly 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 At the feast the Jews were looking for him and saying, Where is he?

12 And there was much discussion about him among the mass of the people. Some said, He is a good man; but others said, No, he is giving people false ideas.

13 But no man said anything about him openly for fear of the Jews.

14 Now in the middle of the feast Jesus went up to the Temple and was teaching.

15 Then the Jews were surprised and said, How has this man got knowledge of books? He has never been to school.