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John 12:39

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

This is why they couldn't bring themselves to believe, because Isaiah had already called it out.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Sometimes people get so set in their ways that believing becomes impossible, just like the prophet predicted.

📚 Historical Context

In the Gospel of John, chapter 12, this verse occurs after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his teachings about his coming death, where many witnessed his miracles but remained unbelieving. The author attributes this unbelief to a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, specifically Isaiah 6:9-10, which spoke of God hardening hearts so that people would see and hear without understanding. This reflects the New Testament theme of how Old Testament prophecies pointed to Jesus' ministry and the rejection he faced.

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