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John 12:38

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

This happened to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah said: 'Lord, who's actually gonna believe what we're telling them? Who's gonna see your power for what it really is?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Even the prophets knew most people wouldn't believe the truth when they heard it.

📚 Historical Context

In the Gospel of John, this verse quotes from the prophet Isaiah, who lived in the 8th century BC and foretold that many would hear about God's powerful actions but fail to believe, as seen in Isaiah 53:1. At this moment in Jesus' ministry, shortly after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and amid his miracles, the unbelief of the crowds fulfilled this ancient prophecy, illustrating how God's promises span centuries. This highlights the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments in showing God's consistent plan of redemption.

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