John 7:13

13 Yet, no one would talk openly about him because they were afraid of the Jews.

John 7:13 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:13

Howbeit, no man spoke openly of him
So loud as to be overheard, at least by many, but in a secret and whispering way; or did not speak with freedom, or all their mind, what they really thought of him, nor with courage and boldness:

for fear the Jews;
for fear of being mobbed by them, or up and prosecuted, or turned out of the synagogue; for a law was made, that whoever confessed him, should be so used; and this deterred persons from expressing the true sentiments of their minds about him.

John 7:13 In-Context

11 The Jews were looking for Jesus in the crowd at the festival. They kept asking, "Where is that man?"

12 The crowds argued about Jesus. Some people said, "He's a good man," while others said, "No he isn't. He deceives the people."

13 Yet, no one would talk openly about him because they were afraid of the Jews.

14 When the festival was half over, Jesus went to the temple courtyard and began to teach.

15 The Jews were surprised and asked, "How can this man be so educated when he hasn't gone to school?"