John 12:47

47 And if any man hear my words and keep them not, I do not judge him for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

John 12:47 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:47

And if any man hear my words and believe not
Men may hear the Gospel of Christ, and not understand it; and they may understand it literally and grammatically, though not spiritually and experimentally, and not believe it; not so much as give credit or an assent to the truth of it, but reject and deny it; for though faith comes by hearing to some, it does not come to all: some receive no profit by hearing it, because it is not mixed with faith by them. The Alexandrian copy, and all the Oriental versions, and also Nonnus, read the last clause thus, "and keep [them] not"; or does not observe them, is negligent of them, and shows no regard, and yields not the obedience of faith to them; the sense is the same.

I judge him not;
I do not accuse him to the Father, nor do I condemn him, nor shall I take vengeance on him for so doing; meaning, that he should do none of these things now, though hereafter he will be a swift witness against him, and will convict and condemn him, and pass sentence on him, and execute it:

for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Christ, at his first coming, came not under the character of a judge, but a Saviour; wherefore suitable to his character, and the end of his coming, he would not accuse, condemn, or judge any man, even the greatest unbelievers in him, and despisers of him, but would leave them to another day, when righteous judgment shall take place.

John 12:47 In-Context

45 And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me.

46 I am come, a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in me may not remain in darkness.

47 And if any man hear my words and keep them not, I do not judge him for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

48 He that despiseth me and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

49 For I have not spoken of myself: but the Father who sent me, he gave me commandment what I should say and what I should speak.