John 7:13

13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke out boldly about Him.

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 Meanwhile the Jews at the Festival were looking for Him and were inquiring, "Where is he?"

12 Among the mass of the people there was much muttered debate about Him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others said, "Not so: he is imposing on the people."

13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke out boldly about Him.

14 But when the Festival was already half over, Jesus went up to the Temple and commenced teaching.

15 The Jews were astonished. "How does this man know anything of books," they said, "although he has never been at any of the schools?"