Bible Strands
John 12:43
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus explains why certain leaders who believed in him refused to confess his name publicly. They avoided synagogue expulsion by prioritizing human approval over divine recognition.
The words — The Greek verb ἠγάπησαν (ēgapēsan) means "they loved," and δόξαν (doxan) translates literally to "glory" or "praise." The text states they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God.
The thread — This tension between human and divine approval appears in John 5:44 and John 5:41. The passage also connects to Matthew 23:5, which describes religious leaders performing deeds for public observation and altering their garments.
Why it lands — The text demands readers examine whether their faith operates under fear of human judgment or under trust in God. It requires a conscious choice to accept divine approval over social or religious conformity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Cross-references
- John 5:44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
- Matthew 23:5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
- John 5:41 I do not accept glory from men,
- Luke 16:15 So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.
- 2 Corinthians 10:18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
- Luke 19:17 His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
- 1 Samuel 2:30 Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
- Matthew 6:2 So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
- John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.