John 7:13

13 However, no one spoke about him openly, for fear of the Judeans.

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 festival, the Judeans were looking for him. "Where is he?" they asked.

12 And among the crowds there was much whispering about him. Some said, "He's a good man"; but others said, "No, he is deceiving the masses."

13 However, no one spoke about him openly, for fear of the Judeans.

14 Not until the festival was half over did Yeshua go up to the Temple courts and begin to teach.

15 The Judeans were surprised: "How does this man know so much without having studied?" they asked.