John 7:13

13 Yet no one would speak publicly about 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 So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast and asking, “Where is He?”

12 Many in the crowds were whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” But others replied, “No, He deceives the people.”

13 Yet no one would speak publicly about Him for fear of the Jews.

14 About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach.

15 The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?”