For they loved praise from menThis phrase highlights the human tendency to seek approval and admiration from others rather than from God. In the context of
John 12, many Jewish leaders believed in Jesus but were afraid to confess their faith openly due to fear of being ostracized by the Pharisees. This reflects a broader cultural context where social status and acceptance within the religious community were highly valued. The desire for human approval can be seen throughout Scripture, such as in
Matthew 6:1-2, where Jesus warns against performing righteous acts to be seen by others. This tendency is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the conflict between human nature and divine expectations.
more than praise from God.
The contrast here is between temporary, earthly recognition and eternal, divine approval. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of seeking God's approval over human praise. InGalatians 1:10, Paul states that if he were still trying to please people, he would not be a servant of Christ. This phrase also connects to the prophetic tradition, where true prophets often faced rejection and persecution for speaking God's truth, as seen in the lives of Jeremiah and Elijah. The ultimate example is Jesus Christ, who sought to do the will of the Father above all else, even when it led to His crucifixion. This serves as a call for believers to prioritize their relationship with God and His eternal rewards over fleeting human accolades.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of the Gospel of John, whose teachings and miracles are the focus of this chapter. He is addressing the issue of belief and unbelief among the people and leaders.
2.
Jewish LeadersThe religious authorities of the time, many of whom believed in Jesus but were afraid to confess their faith openly due to fear of losing their status and the praise of men.
3.
PhariseesA sect of Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They are often depicted as opposing Jesus and His teachings.
4.
JerusalemThe city where these events take place, a significant location for Jewish worship and the center of religious authority.
5.
The CrowdThe general populace who witnessed Jesus' miracles and teachings, often torn between belief and the influence of their leaders.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Human ApprovalSeeking the praise of men can lead to compromised faith and disobedience to God. Believers must prioritize God's approval above all else.
Fear of Man vs. Fear of GodThe fear of losing status or facing persecution can hinder one's public confession of faith. True discipleship requires courage to stand for God's truth.
Authentic FaithGenuine belief in Jesus should manifest in actions that seek God's glory, not human recognition. This requires a heart transformation that values eternal rewards over temporary accolades.
Integrity in WitnessBelievers are called to be witnesses of Christ, even when it is unpopular. This involves living out one's faith consistently and boldly, regardless of societal pressures.
Eternal PerspectiveFocusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary human praise helps believers maintain a steadfast faith and commitment to God's will.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from John 12
What does the Bible say about people pleasing?
What is the essence of God's love for humanity?
What does the Bible say about people pleasing?
If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?(43)
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.--For "praise" read in both instances
glory."The glory which comes from men more than the glory which came from God." Comp. Note on
John 5:44, where the truth is put in the form of a question by our Lord. Here it explains the fact that there were men who believed, and yet did not publicly confess their faith. There our Lord's question goes deeper, and asserts that the seeking of the glory which comes from men is inconsistent with the existence of any true belief in God.
Verse 43. - The generalization is given as a reason,
For they loved the glory (
δόξα, very nearly in the original Greek use of the word," opinion," "good reputation")
of men, very much more (
ἤπερ, another New Testament,
ἅπαξ λεγόμενον, occurring in the narrative portion of John, and a mode in which the negative force of the
ἤ is heightened; see Meyer, Jelf, p. 779, and English edition of Wirier, p. 549)
than the glory of God. The form of the expressions, "of God' and "of men," is different from the
παρὰ τοῦμόνου Θεοῦ and
παρὰ ἀλλήλων of
John 5:44, and the statement is apparently inconsistent with the declaration that those in such a state of mind "could not believe." Moulton suggests that the glory here thought of by the apostle was the "glory" of ver. 41 - the glory of the union of the Redeemer with his people, the glory of suffering and death. The reference to
Isaiah 6. appears to be the true solution. The glory of God himself in his awful holiness was of less interest than the glory of the Sanhedrin and the approval of the world. Alas! this glory is nearer, more obvious and has more to do with tangible, sensuous, advantages, than the Divine approval.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.they lovedἠγάπησαν(ēgapēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.praiseδόξαν(doxan)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.from menἀνθρώπων(anthrōpōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.moreμᾶλλον(mallon)Adverb
Strong's 3123:More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.thanἤπερ(ēper)Conjunction
Strong's 2260:Than. From e and per; than at all.praiseδόξαν(doxan)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.from God.Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
Links
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NT Gospels: John 12:43 For they loved men's praise more than (Jhn Jo Jn) 
