John 12:37-38

Context

The Outcome of Jesus’ Public Ministry Foretold

12:37 Although Jesus¹ had performed² so many miraculous signs before them, they still refused to believe in him, 12:38 so that the word³ of Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled. He said,⁴ “Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord⁵ been revealed?”⁶

[12:37] ¹tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[12:37] ²tn Or “done.”

[12:38] ³tn Or “message.”

[12:38] ⁴tn Grk “who said.”

[12:38] ⁵tn “The arm of the Lord” is an idiom for “God’s great power” (as exemplified through Jesus’ miraculous signs). This response of unbelief is interpreted by the author as a fulfillment of the prophetic words of Isaiah (Isa 53:1). The phrase ὁ βραχίων κυρίου (Jo braciwn kuriou) is a figurative reference to God’s activity and power which has been revealed in the sign-miracles which Jesus has performed (compare the previous verse).

[12:38] ⁶sn A quotation from Isa 53:1.