Please, Be Aware
Unless stated otherwise, links and references to the Bible are to the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE).
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For the full text of John 12:37-43, see the Sacred Scripture section below.
This initial section is the home page article (leading to this complete article) and primarily applies to priests, ministers, and writers. Seriously, scholars also, regardless of the denomination or nondenominational.
Please, carefully comment on John 12:39-40, for example, 12:40, in part, “ ‘He ... hardened their heart’, ” and 12:39, in part, “they could not believe.” Everyone should realize that restating it, without more, compounds the problem as an Aspersion Upon God. Important also, without a doubt, discussed further, It Is Damaging To Others (it was to me for years).
Perhaps Considered An Isolated Problem By Some, It Is Serious For The Awareness Of Everyone.
Many do not realize the Isaiah 6:10 quotation in John 12:40 envisioned at the time of Christ was merely not providing parable interpretations to the public. It Was Nothing More (also, the Isaiah 6:10 quotation in John 12:40 is far from exact). Isaiah 6:10 was limited to this mere Inaction of God (as discussed in and near ᶠⁿⒷ of the appendix below). Through It, God Did Not Harden Their Heart To Believe In Him. Optimistically, everyone already holds a reservation about something this unusual and contrary to His interest.
The words “could not believe” ᶠⁿ¹, instead of “would” in John 12:39, are inspired by the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Envisioning all the turmoil at the time, it is for His mercy at the final judgment. The author of John speaks out about the dire results of the ministry in verse 12:37 that despite many signs, they still would not believe, so bewildered as to seemingly even imply prophecy influenced them, but in verses 12:42-43, he points to reality, the wrongful persuasive effect of the Pharisees, viz., the threat of expulsion from the synagogue. It is this reality per se having a significant effect on Everyone and an extraordinary impact upon them. It would cause the departure from their religion established by their ancestors long ago, dating beyond the parting of the Red Sea. Combined with other manipulative words and actions, together with the significant indirect effects, e.g., securing a new home, resulted in extreme turmoil and were life-changing, weakening the free will of those with the strength to believe and mitigating their guilt of not being open about devotion. However, it went further, a virtual absolute denial of free will. It required a radical reorientation of life for some. Beyond the heartbreak of losing loved ones, family, and friends, there was even a potential to confront death. It was mind-controlling upon Some, Without A Doubt, Someone.
ᶠⁿ¹ We should assume God is precise in His meaning of “could” in John 12:39, considering all facts and circumstances when directed at faith, belief in Him, and loving Him. Consideration should be thorough and, to the extent possible, on point.
Most conclusions are that I will not, leads to I cannot and that they first harden their own heart. Over time, they lost their ability and could not believe in the Lord Jesus. However, when applied to belief in God, He would more precisely mean “would” instead of “could,” as a life unworthy of eternal reward. It is frequently directly or indirectly based upon examples of Pharaoh in Exodus 8:15, 9:12, not necessarily addressing belief in God, but the “could“ of John 12:39 does, requiring a much more careful look into all influencing facts and circumstances upon free will. John 12:42-43 even speaks of the wrongful persuasive effect of the Pharisees by the threat of expulsion from the synagogue. It even weakened those with the strength to believe.
God seriously considers free will, looking “into” the heart beyond human imagination, impairments, mental illness, and whatever else. “But the LORD said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.
Also, see ᶠⁿ⁵.
Judgment is personal, each soul precious to the Lord Jesus, speaking of and to each and overlooking nothing and no one. Taken a whole, they “would” not believe, but inspired by Him through the Holy Spirit to address judgment, “would” is unjust and inappropriate. It ignores those worthy of mercy during this time of extreme turmoil. Rather than a generalized statement, the words of John 12:39 anticipate a crucial ultimate effect upon individual souls at the final judgment. Therefore, the Lord Jesus’ choice of wording will not forget or ignore those worthy of exceptions. We cannot also avoid considering they will forever remain His chosen people. All considered and nothing necessarily overriding to the contrary, we should not rule His mercy out. ᶠⁿ²
ᶠⁿ² He also will not forget one lost sheep in the parables discussed in ᶠⁿⒷ in the appendix below (also, near ᶠⁿⒷ and beyond it within my parable article cited in it).
Please, do not rule out the possibility that it is God’s answer to the author’s prayers on behalf of the Jewish people. It is a reasonable assumption with an author’s writing characteristics part of Sacred Scripture and the sense of adamance supporting “could” in John 12:39, Now An Established Part Of Sacred Scripture. The adamance is striking, seen in the quote of Isaiah 6:10 in John 12:40 with unusual wording differences from the Hebrew and Septuagint text (it also differs significantly from the Lord Jesus’ version in Matthew 13:14-15 (restating Isaiah 6:9-10)). However, Discussed Fully, Without Question, Everything Is Sacred Scripture, Inspired By God, Despite Scholars Acknowledging These Differences.
Verse 40 (in part), “ ‘He ... hardened their heart,’ ” is a prophecy of the Lord Jesus ᶠⁿ³ in Isaiah 6:10. However, this quotation in John 12:40 of “ ‘He’ ” represents an abrupt beginning I cannot find elsewhere, daringly so by an author alone without God’s inspiration, especially considering that God is innocent, not causing that “they could not believe.” He did not contribute to the disbelief of anyone in the slightest. Note that the first word should draw interest in what Isaiah 6:10 states. Also, “hardened” produces a somewhat harsh effect, fixing in memory beyond other terms used in most other versions. Up front, there is finger-pointed blame upon God for all the disbelief! Everyone has at least some question deep within, even those docile.
ᶠⁿ³ Examples of Isaiah, Chapter 6 as prophecy in the New Testament
(First, note below, “many believe Isaiah saw the Lord Jesus” (It is not hype)):
In Isaiah 6:1, many believe Isaiah saw the Lord Jesus. It states, in part, “I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne.” Although Isaiah, Chapter 6, was prophetic both before and during the time of Christ, they believe Isaiah saw the Lord Jesus back in Isaiah’s time. It Is Good For Everyone To Know and thinking otherwise is in error based upon the facts in Isaiah, including support by reputable scholars insisting upon extensive analysis before going where emotions run high, seeing only what we want to see. I have provided only a few of many: Isaiah 6 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (complete); Isaiah 6 Bible Commentary - Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown (in part, “Isaiah could only have ‘seen’ the Son, not the divine essence (Joh 1:18)”); Isaiah 6 Commentary | Precept Austin (though a Very Short NABRE note on John 12:41 Seems to imply the contrary). If Isaiah saw God symbolically, it is highly probable he would have disclosed it or unusual otherwise, And He Did Not. Further, in Isaiah 6:5, in part, “I am doomed!” is his expressed concern after seeing God.
1) Compare Isaiah 6:1 with John 12:41; compare with Revelation 4:2-3; consider His pleas with humility to those He loved dear, e.g., John 5:39, the scriptures testify on His behalf, an understatement. 2) Compare Isaiah 6:2 with Revelation 4:8, and see the NABRE note on Revelation 4:8. 3) Compare Isaiah 6:3 with Revelation 4:8. 4) Compare Isaiah 6:4 with Revelation 15:8. 5) Compare Isaiah 6:9 and, or 6:10 with Matthew 13:10-15, Mark 4:10-12, Luke 8:9-10, John 12:40, and Acts 28:26-27.
However, as discussed below, “ ‘He’ ” not only is God, but the Lord Jesus also blessed it with His inspiration for our reading today. He dismisses the harshness for the benefit of others that deep within is not taken seriously other than to question. It reflects the personality of sacrifice for others of the Lord Jesus given us to know, to reflect upon with love, consistent with His dying sacrifice for the forgiveness of the sins of the World.
God has never hardened anyone’s heart in all human history directed at faith, belief in Him, in loving Him.
The Isaiah 6:10 quotation in John 12:40 envisioned the Lord Jesus within the kingdom of heaven on earth, the kingdom of God first announced to Israel. It was of their children in the future with gross hearts. He established this kingdom to free us from sin and share in His divine life. Once more, its mysteries would lack disclosure through parables without interpretations (also disclosed in Matthew 13:11, “the kingdom of heaven”).
It was hard or practically impossible to understand a parable without an interpretation. Once more, there was mere Inaction of God, only a dulling of the public’s understanding of these parables without interpretation (Nothing More), provided only to the Lord’s private disciple group. Notably, as discussed in and near ᶠⁿⒷ of the appendix below, the Lord “called out” (Yes, Cried Out!) heartfelt invitations for Everyone to join His private disciple group, “ ‘... Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.’ ”, Luke 8:8. In addition, I discuss the harsh wording of verse 40 below and in the appendix. Any hardening or callousness of their heart resulted from their shortcomings.
Restating that they could not believe because God hardened their heart without more is damaging to others. It most definitely promotes wrongful wandering thoughts about God (it did to me for years), for example, undue spiritual influence or whether there is a wrongful attribution for ancestral wrongs (and so on). Cf. Father John McKinnon, John 12:37-43, it “.... could lead to an unfortunate sense of God....”.
There is a pervasive lack of awareness and a significant problem in writings (and otherwise). An extensive discussion follows that should also consider the expanded commentary in the appendix. After adequately reading this article, everyone will be competent when commenting on John 12:37-43.
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In the Sacred Scripture below, John 12:37-43 all too often casts an incorrect mysterious negative influence of God on free will, especially verse 40, in part, “ ʻHe ... hardened their heartʼ ”, and verse 39, in part, “they could not believe.”
Sacred Scripture:
[All cross-references (d-i) and all three (3) notes (represented by an asterisk), both with all links, follow below.]
After he had said this, Jesus left and hid from them. [This is the last part of 12:36, continuing into this section the NABRE entitled Unbelief and Belief Among the Jews.]
37 * d Although he had performed so many signs in their presence they did not believe in him,
38 * in order that the word which Isaiah the prophet spoke might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed our preaching, to whom has the might of the Lord been revealed?”e
39 For this reason they could not believe, because again Isaiah said:
40 “He blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted, and I would heal them.”f
41 Isaiah said this because he saw his glory* and spoke about him.g
42 Nevertheless, many, even among the authorities, believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge it openly in order not to be expelled from the synagogue.h
43 For they preferred human praise to the glory of God.i
Cross-references:
d. [12:37–43] Dt 29:2–4; Mk 4:11–12; Rom 9–11.
f. [12:40] Is 6:9–10 [sic., Is 6:10]; Mt 13:13–15; Mk 4:12.
Notes:
* [12:37–50] These verses, on unbelief of the Jews, provide an epilogue to the Book of Signs.
* [12:38–41] John gives a historical explanation of the disbelief of the Jewish people, not a psychological one. The Old Testament had to be fulfilled; the disbelief that met Isaiah’s message was a foreshadowing of the disbelief that Jesus encountered. In Jn 12:42 and also in Jn 3:20 we see that there is no negation of freedom.
* [12:41] His glory: Isaiah saw the glory of Yahweh enthroned in the heavenly temple, but in John the antecedent of his is Jesus.
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Note. The appendix has commentary and support beyond the main text. It has four sections:
1) Historical and General Background
2) Expanded Discussion of “they could not believe” instead of “they would not believe,” and Additional Support
3) † Persuasive Evidence †
(The Lord Jesus’ Restatement of Isaiah 6:10!)
4) Summation of John 12:37-43 at the Time of Christ
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“they could not believe” instead of “they would not believe.”
The Lord Jesus’ Loving Mercy Is The Plausible Answer
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Concise Statement
Everyone should realize “could” instead of “would” in “they could not believe” may include mercy at the final judgment.
The author’s adamance of “could” and its support is either superficial, God alone spoke it, or more likely, He blessed it, perhaps also answering the author’s prayers for the Jewish people through “could” as part of Sacred Scripture.
With a judgment in mind, God will not forget or ignore those worthy of exceptions in His choice of wording used, will forget nothing, each individual, including all exceptions, e.g., expulsion from the synagogue for belief in the Lord Jesus. It alone had severe direct and indirect consequences even beyond undue influence upon many, yes, mind-control over some, oh yes, someone. Therefore, “would” instead is impossible.
Note. The expanded discussion in the appendix has links to compare the wording of the John 12:40 quotation of Isaiah 6:10 with the Septuagint. You can also compare about 55 other versions of the Bible, all on one page. Some modifications involve the discussion below that are disclosed in the appendix further below.
Also, more fully explained in the appendix, God has never hardened anyone’s heart in all human history directed at faith, belief in Him, in loving Him. It is also closely associated with the public parables discussed in and near ᶠⁿⒷ of the appendix below. There was a mere dulling of the public’s understanding of the Lord’s parables, not providing interpretations, His mere inaction, nothing more. Any hardening or callousness of their heart resulted from their shortcomings.
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General Discussion
John 12:37-43 states in verse 37 that although the Lord Jesus performed many miracles, they did not believe so that prophecy “might be fulfilled,” Verse 38 quotes Isaiah, of God stating effectively, who cares, or who believes? However, more unusual behavior begins in verse 39, in part, “they could not believe,” followed by what I now discover is an inexact supporting quotation of Isaiah in verse 40. It is effectively stating that prophecy influenced their ability to believe! Scholars acknowledge differences between the quotation’s wording and the Hebrew and Septuagint text. Although knowing it had to be incorrect, it has been a concerning part of my life for years.
Recognizing the Holy Spirit is essential and controlling throughout the Bible, overriding everything, including the in good faith author flaws of an inexact quotation discussed. The quote only appears somewhat harsh to God, but no one should rest persuaded by it. The modifications draw attention to God’s underlying purpose naturally included within “could,” with the sense of confidence coming from Him. It may be the Lord Jesus’ mercy for some not believing in Him.
The reason for “could” in “they could not believe” of John 12:39, in part, calls out for attention. A mystery itself, the supporting quotation following it is even more so. The deeper the inquiry, the more the author seems beyond zealous and dead-set trying to support “could.”
When necessary, what was a jaw-dropper can now serve as a reminder. Keep an open mind within the overriding theme throughout the New Testament that they “would” not believe. Remember, despite not believing in the Lord Jesus, based upon synagogue expulsion alone, mentioned more fully below and in the appendix, some were considered worthy people by the Lord Jesus, with mercy awaiting the final judgment. Furthermore, Whatever God’s intention in the difference between could and would, it probably is beneficial for some with free will so closely associated with it and their hearts.
John 12:40 Is Sacred Scripture:
Again, not all authors will go out on a limb, but I believe silent docility is inappropriate. I mean well throughout.
Again, scholars acknowledge differences between the Isaiah 6:10 quotation wording and the Hebrew and Septuagint text in John 12:40. One of three potential modifications discussed in the appendix is The First Word Alone, Meaning God, Standing Out Misplaced, “ ‘He.’ ” (however, there may be more than three modifications). It Is Striking, and we notice that “something is up here!” Besides being inexact, a significant portion of the entire quotation of Isaiah 6:10 in John 12:40 appears to be modified and varies from somewhat unusual to what has been unheard of in the Bible, e.g., An Extremely Serious Matter, blaming God for Disbelief! Again, there was mere Inaction of God, a dulling of the public’s understanding of parables without interpretation, Nothing More (see in and near ᶠⁿⒷ of the appendix below).
I Cannot Find Extractable Wording Beginning With “ ‘He’ ” In This Context.
“He” Is An Abrupt Beginning, a rude outright indifferent tone with unequivocal finger-pointed blame upon God. Also, be mindful of a second possible modification discussed in the appendix. We should not rule it out. It is unusual to find the words “He ... hardened” having a strikingly harsher Effect (subtly in tone, yet a hint of criminal or prison). It Fixes Within The Memory Much More Than Other Terms Used (callous, dull, insensitive, and others) In Most Of The Various Versions Of Isaiah 6:10.
Far too outright blunt in fault, it lacks discretion, so hard-hitting from the start, with a finger pointed upon Who caused the disbelief, God! Is this for real? A correct answer may be that no one should seriously believe such a thing, yet it begs for God’s purpose with the hope of serious consideration. Seeing the blame upon God and the differences in wording leaves no option other than searching for God’s purpose.
Left uncorrected, it is far too indifferent and even worse. God is innocent, not causing that “they could not believe.” He did not contribute to the disbelief of anyone in the slightest. Some wording has been modified and is incomplete. With all considered, it is significantly misleading or incorrect. Notably, It Is The First Word That Draws Interest In What Isaiah 6:10 Does State! Next, God Limits Harshness As This To Himself.
It cannot be an Independent author wording modification contravening with the Bible. Inspired by God, the Gospel of John will forever remain unblemished.
The Confidence Is Significant and Strange: There “ ‘He’ ” sits forever, meaning it went uncorrected, daringly presumptuous for an author alone. Aggressive attorneys would have eventually corrected an unlikely draft. It seems to lack human discretion, even felt by others, perhaps enough for someone close to the author to say something ᶠⁿ⁴. Mindful it is significantly misleading, if not incorrect, would you point an outright, blunt finger of blame at God like this, but worse, allow it to sit for the World to read forever, not correcting it?
ᶠⁿ⁴ Incidentally, depending on availability or distance, I would express my opinion about the abruptness to the author, but little would I know that my opinion would not change anything. See in yellow following this footnote. Now focused upon God’s involvement, it could worry me if it was not as outright as it is, having indications of trying to subtle the outright effect instead.
Confidence Of This Nature Is Most Unusual, Where No Man Would Dare, But One, The Lord Jesus.
“ ‘He’ ” not only is God, but He also inspired it for our reading today.
The following modification (the third of three discussed in the appendix) is reasonably sure: The author “chose to delete the prophet’s reference to ears and listening so that the emphasis might fall directly on eyes and looking. (Blindness, light and darkness were themes preferred by the author [verse 46]) [e.g., “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness,” John 12:46, NABRE, cross reference l omitted],” Father John McKinnon, John 12:37-43. The Lord Jesus spoke the quoted words of John 12:46, NABRE. This modification, inspired by Him, no doubt also intends our sight today, and you have been looking at John 12:39,
“could.”
- A Prayer For The Jewish People:
With “could” inspired by God, the author’s writing characteristics are also part of the Sacred Scripture. With an awareness of all the research, There Is A Realistic Sense Of Author Adamance Supporting It, Strikingly So. I believe God May have answered the author’s prayers for the Jewish people, favorable treatment at the final judgment for some lacking complete free will, and adequately supported further on.
Whether a prayer, the request is characteristic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We should not rule it out. They will forever remain His chosen people, and John 12:42-43 does speak of wrongful Pharisee persuasion.
God has never hardened anyone’s heart in all human history directed at faith, belief in Him, in loving Him.
For the benefit of others, God dismisses the harshness that deep within, no one takes seriously other than to question, even those staunch docile. It reflects the personality of sacrifice for others of the Lord Jesus given us to know, to reflect upon with love, including His dying sacrifice for the forgiveness of the sins of the World.
Being expelled from the synagogue for belief in the Lord Jesus alone had severe consequences besides its extraordinary impact upon them, the departure from their religion, one established by their ancestors long ago, dating back beyond the parting of the Red Sea. Expulsion, per se, was an undue influence upon many and compounded by other improper persuasions of the leaders. There also was significant indirect coercion naturally resulting from the expulsion, often significantly painful, of radically reoriented lives no less than heartbreaking. Beyond undue influence, there was mind-control over some, oh yes, someone.
Judgment is very personal. God will forget nothing, speaking to each soul individually and not forget one, also seen in the parables mentioned above searching for worthy lost sheep (discussed in and near ᶠⁿⒷ of the appendix below). When referring to the Jewish people in John 12:39, in part, “they could not believe” with the final judgment in mind and each soul precious to Him, “they would not believe” would be unjust. He would be stating effectively that every individual made a free-will choice rejecting belief, and despite mind-control over someone, no one is worthy of mercy. Remembering everything, and each, individually, God does not forget or ignore those worthy of exceptions in His choice of wording used.
The Lord Jesus’ mercy may await in the final judgment for some who did not believe in Him through “could.” We should not rule it out.
Despite a possibility of mercy at the final judgment, it does not change the facts within the words of the Gospels of the Lord Jesus Himself, on their culpability in disbelief, or God’s steadfast rule of free will directed at faith. They set the foundation, unchanged by the unusual, isolated wording of John 12:39. Nevertheless, the pervasive theme throughout the New Testament that they would not believe only speaks in general. Although it remains the correct understanding, the mind and heart should remain open to everything above.
As seen in the appendix section, † Persuasive Evidence †, the brief words of the Lord Jesus are an accusation with the natural understanding following from it, “ ʻGross is the heart of this peopleʼ. ” They imply the contrary of John 12:39, and directly more so in John 12:40. Though brief, it speaks against the Jewish people, generally speaking as a whole, on both.
Please Note:
††† I must mention those faithfully adhering to the literal wording “they could not believe” in John 12:39, in part. Supported by reputable scholars, it acknowledges it was Through Their Shortcomings, Certainly Not By God. It is most appropriate when referring to John 12:39. Please, forgive my wording throughout this article to the contrary in the interest of understandability. †††
Sincerely in Christ,
/L.S., Frank Lawrence, Sr./ ᶠⁿ⁵
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Please See ᶠⁿ⁵ Below:
ᶠⁿ⁵ Keep in mind there is an unfortunate confusion in the difference between “they could not believe” and “they would not believe” throughout the entire article. It is significant and unavoidable. It has even caused many scholarly views ᶠⁿ⁶.
In Addition: If likely confusion arises between “they could not believe” and “they would not believe,” ᶠⁿ⁷ below could guide some.
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ᶠⁿ⁶ Despite many scholarly views, God considers free will seriously, looking “into” the heart beyond human imagination, impairments, mental illness, and whatever else (see “into” in the final sentence quotation of this footnote). Often, free will lacks an evaluation within many scholarly views. Dead silence all too frequently undermines God. So crucially important, it is only rightful if explicit or naturally implicit in the wording of any conclusion reached, but unfortunately, it is not. Not considering this crucial concern is contrary to God’s interest, i.e., you should not forget what God never will because doing so too frequently undermines Him. Especially in matters of faith, everyone knows it is forever an uttermost foundational part of His plan for humanity. Any reason they “could” not believe should also consider free will, for example, if it is an impairment or coercion, whether of an extent overriding a fee-will choice of the soul (or it is a worthy exception by God). However, if free will’s reconciliation is not explicit or naturally implicit, authors should state so (whether a reason or for whatever reason, mindful silence can undermine God).
Further, notice “into” within: “But the LORD said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart.”, 1 Samuel 16:7.
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ᶠⁿ⁷ Although perhaps confusing, the author’s purpose for the quotation, to support “they could not believe” in John 12:39, in part, in actuality, is substantially incorrect outside of John 12:39 because the Jewish people are spoken of or referred to generally as a whole. In John 12:39, the Holy Spirit considers each soul within the whole, individually, refusing to go too far and say that each made a decision rejecting belief and rightfully. It would be an unreasonable, overly extended judgment, ignoring worthy souls the Lord Jesus will never forget, viz., it is wrong for the Holy Spirit to say “they would not believe.” To avoid stating it in John 12:39, the words “they could not believe” are required for the purposes known for sure by the Lord Jesus alone. We should be grateful with uttermost respect and adoration for the loving wisdom in “they could not believe” of John 12:39, in part, but also realize it is only made a clear intention of the Lord Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in and substantially limited to, John 12:39. As stated, it is substantially incorrect outside of John 12:39.
Appendix
This appendix has commentary and support beyond the main text. It has four sections:
1) Historical and General Background
2) Expanded Discussion of “they could not believe” instead of “they would not believe,” and Additional Support
3) † Persuasive Evidence †
†
(The Lord Jesus’ Restatement of Isaiah 6:10!)
4) Summation of John 12:37-43 at the Time of Christ
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1) Historical and General Background
Related to the allegation, God hardened their heart in Isaiah that John 12:40 ᶠⁿⒶ, above relies upon, He was offering to settle His dispute with Israel upon the behavior He was demanding of them. There was the use of a Hebrew word to arbitrate legal disputes. Come now, let us set things right, Isaiah 1:18, in part. Their behavior was gross, despicable, and sure long-term, Isaiah 1:1-17. Consider Isaiah 1:5-6, Why* would you yet be struck, that you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot to the head there is no sound spot in it; Just bruise and welt and oozing wound, not drained, or bandaged, or eased with salve. [* note omitted] Also, “[t]he bruised body is a metaphor for the historical disaster that has overtaken Israel (see v. 7) because of its sins”, an NABRE note Isaiah on 1:5-6.
ᶠⁿⒶ Furthermore, consider Isaiah 1:7-17 (& 18), in parts, “... like the devastation of Sodom. ... Hear the word of the LORD, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! ... What do I care for the multitude of your sacrifices? ... I have had enough of whole-burnt rams ... To bring offerings is useless ... New moon and sabbath, calling assemblies— festive convocations with wickedness— these I cannot bear. ... Your new moons and festivals I detest; they weigh me down, I tire of the load. ... Though you pray the more, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood! ... Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil ... learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” “Come now, let us set things right ...” Isaiah 1:18, in part.
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Merely knowing the facts above, it is far from likely a task for Isaiah to harden their heart was actual and carried out. Further, to be seen, persuasive evidence even rules it out. Let there be no doubt They Were A Major Problem For God. He expects us to realize they already were hard (oh, forgive me, possibly some heathens!). In law, we refer to it as res ipsa loquitur, literally meaning “the thing speaks for itself.” Perhaps an eye-opener for some, all understand it. Unless taken up with God as Israel did, it should not be a matter open to dispute (oh, but they sure did!).
It is right up front, in Isaiahʼs introduction, one of the greatest of the prophets, part of a widely considered collection of oracles in his ministry chosen most characteristic of his teachings. Cf. an NABRE note on Isaiah 1:2-31.
By extension, God also expects us, for sure, hopes we realize the hardening of the heart in John 12:40 above, was of their own accord, that the free will in His plan for humanity is complete and total, and deeply into our souls, that it always was, is and will be.
No celebrity campaigns. The Lord Jesus’ precious time making public appearances have a good, worthy, fruitful purpose, whether we see it. The people envisioned in the future had to make a significant change from sin, a radical reorientation of life, with new hearts of their own accord.
If they could only have been genuine enough to open their hearts to God’s healing through free will, allowing God to touch their hearts with goodness, to share in His divine life, heartfelt and reciprocally, even “called out” ᶠⁿ⁶ (yes, cried out!), blessed by His public appearances through uninterpreted parables, then do not say God touched their heart. It is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation, In Action, with the hope, there is the interest and enthusiasm to only see it, so obvious as it is (ᶠⁿⒷ of the appendix), But Overlooked By All Writers (or virtually all).
A primary purpose underlying Isaiah 6:9-10 is prophecy (heart untouched). However, some heard the Lord Jesus’ call, heartfelt, although it is likely only a few. Think of His bold, calm charisma searching for one worthy lost sheep among rough and morally corrupt crowds. Now, you know He did, oh, a heckler!, We will speak later (the final judgment revisit).
The author of John 12:37-43 means what He states, but especially as I believe he intended, with “could” becoming a part of Sacred Scripture. They “could not” believe, but because of their shortcomings, Not By God. It does not directly represent it was by God though predicted in prophecy, only implied in a hardening of the heart. More clearly, for our understanding only, they would not believe but as seen above through a deeper look into the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9-13, many already having hardened and remaining so to the time of the Lord Jesus, especially the leaders. However, discussed further, their coercion, direct and indirect, prevented some from believing in the Lord.
An NABRE note on Isaiah 6:9-10 reflects the view of others on the point in accord: Isaiah’s words give evidence that he attempted in every way, through admonition, threat, and promise, to bring the people to conversion (cf. 1:18–20), so it is unlikely that this charge to “harden” is to be understood as Isaiah’s task; more probably it reflects the refusal of the people, more particularly the leaders, who were supposed to “see,” “hear,” and “understand,” a refusal which would then lead to a disastrous outcome (vv. 11–12).
God knows, in Isaiah’s time and that of the Lord Jesus through His restatement of Isaiah 6:9-10, the † Persuasive Evidence † section below evidenced below, neither God (naturally including the Lord Jesus) nor Isaiah hardened their heart. As we should expect, it was a consequence of their conduct, seen above, with a natural hardened heart living their lives enjoying sin in the pretense of worship previously stated by God in worn down disgust and bloody hands, ᶠⁿⒶ above, perhaps lifestyles that were actually no better than the near-heathens they stood high enough to look down upon. It sure was the consequence of their sin.
Isaiahʼs prophecy did not intend any actual and carried out hardening of anyone’s heart by God or Isaiah whatsoever. It was also intended for the parables of the future, only to make “the heart of this people sluggish, dull their ears and close their eyes, Isaiah 6:10, in part ᶠⁿⒷ (though subtle Bible version wording differences, ᶠⁿⒸ). The dulling was through God’s inactions, merely not providing the public with the parable interpretations And Nothing More.
[ᶠⁿⒷ is lengthy]
ᶠⁿⒷ Note that relevant article is on the home page entitled, “The Lord Jesus’ Unstated Use of Public Parables: Drawing Disciples From the Crowds.” A home page link is † Firing Site Blog.
Consider Isaiah 6:9, in part, “Listen carefully, but do not understand! Look intently, but do not perceive!” Isaiah 6:10, quoted above, was suitable for the uninterpreted parables with the public. The intention was to dull an understanding of them, to withhold the mysteries of the kingdom of God (or “kingdom of heaven”), merely by not providing interpretations. See, e.g., Isaiah 6:9-10; Psalm 78:2; Matthew 13:35, 13:11 (“kingdom of heaven”), 13:11-15. Aside from addressing specific people, the Lord only spoke to the public in parables. Cf. Mark 4:34. On the prophecy foreseeing the Lord Jesus in Isaiah, Chapter 6, see ᶠⁿ¹ of the main text.
Most parables were extremely hard to understand without an interpretation. Some, but perhaps many, like the Parable of the Sower, basically speaking, were impossible to understand.
Interpretations were limited to the Lord’s private disciple group. However, there was fairness if someone had it in their heart, with heartfelt invitations for everyone to join.
However, with crowds that generally had gross hearts, only those genuine would understand and follow the Lord Jesus’ open offer that was heartfelt. We see it in the Parable of the Sower. By itself, it provides an adequate factual basis of disciple formation, even searching for merely one lost sheep, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:1-9, 14-20; Luke 8:4-8, 11-15.
The Lord literally “called out” clear to hear His bottom line final message, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear [meaning the private disciple group interpretations],” Luke 8:8, both quotes, in part. Please Let Me Make It Even More Clear, Yes HE CRIED OUT! See, e.g., “Luke 8:8 in all English translations”, Bible Gateway.
It Was The Only Message The Entire Crowd Understood, of “something” to hear, for real. Furthermore, worse yet, a sure comprehension by anyone of any other message from the Entire Parable was far unlikely, if not impossible, again, for real. Imagine, “Well, we already heard the parable, so it may mean something else” [You Think!]. Someone in the crowd may have even spread the word! Word gets around all right, especially considering the circumstances with the general mindset: The parable is from One known to have performed acts of God, miracles, merely the first one alone, A Perfect Announcement, An Exorcism In A Synagogue. There is a good chance virtually everyone was on notice, including the Universe And Beyond, Mark 1:21-28, 3:11; Luke 4:31-37, 41; Acts 19:13-16.
It meant and eventually resulted in at least some genuine hearts hearing the private disciple group interpretations. Although I suspect it may have been very few, Merely One Contributed Massively To Christianity’s Growth! The Lord will search out and not forget even one worthy lost sheep.
Boldly calm public appearances among rough, morally corrupt crowds with baffling, jaw-dropping parables no one could understand, hecklers dealt with later (final judgment!), was the Lord Jesus’ occasion for “behind the scene” fruitfully use. Rule celebrity campaigns out. It is the Sacred Heart of Jesus and In Action. The question is, with free will always respected, still, what can’t we see?
Therefore, God’s only actions (but inactions) were no interpretations with the public, of uncertain or unknown parable meanings, nothing more. Cf. Psalm 78:2; Matthew 13:11, 35; Mark 4:11-12; Luke 8:10. Any hardening or callousness of their heart resulted from their shortcomings.
God has never hardened anyone’s heart in all human history directed at faith, belief in Him, in loving Him. No, He did not harden their hearts, but the problem is that, in large part, their hearts were untouched by Him (except for the heartfelt parable use). If they only would have allowed?
[End of ᶠⁿⒷ]
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ᶠⁿⒸ Merely to be noted, depending on the Bible version with differences in wording, a “hardening” of the heart is far more likely to be used in John 12:40 (ᶠⁿⒹ) than it actually is in Isaiah 6:10, the NABRE of Isaiah 6:10 not using it. It reads, “Make the heart of this people sluggish, dull their ears and close their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and their heart understand, and they turn and be healed.”g [g. [6:10] Jer 5:21; Jn 12:40.].
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ᶠⁿⒹ Also, cross-reference f of the NABRE, John 12:40, incorrectly cites Is 6:9-10, rather than Is 6:10, probably for the reason(s) discussed in the first paragraph of the next section below.
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Action by God to harden their heart directed at faith, belief in God, to love for Him, is sure unprecedented, devastatingly contrary to His interest, and most significant, stating the least. You can look and love from a distance, but it hurts when you have to because you are not loved back. God knows better. It is hard and rough ground, and a breeding ground for bizarre behavior, yes, even upon one another, fit for lost walking zombies lacking free will, or animals, Not In His Image, To Love What Is Unseen, To Love Him, For Reciprocal Love:
It is outrageous to believe God hardened anyone’s heart in all human history directed at faith, belief in Him, in loving Him.
We are to apply the good sense God gave us to the words in the Bible. Beyond animals, mechanical thinking, bark, sit, and jump, we are expected to use all of our talents with God’s affairs, and not limit it to a halfhearted effort. He must adore our notions of justice, for example, a conflict of interest, including the practicality not to create it unfair to our self-interest.
Although the “could” not believe part itself is a mystery, it is primarily the “hardened” part, all God’s fault, some people, like myself, will not accept, periodically wiping the jaw-dropping face gesture off without an answer so no one can see, For Life. It is intended to draw both our attention and our interest, even more so the later, hopefully, a deep persevering interest, but from the start, oh no, not for anyone to comfortably accept the literal wording, without more, through docility as serious belief!
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2) Expanded Discussion of “they could not believe” instead of “they would not believe,” and Additional Support
First, I should mention that an NABRE cross-reference f in John 12:40 erroneously includes Isaish 6:9 with 6:10. It is perhaps for one or more of three reasons. First, it may be for more assurance, possibly resulting from an uncertain match of the unusual quoted words in John 12:40. Second, there may have been reliance upon their scholarly note 6:9-10 (mentioned in two parts below, the first part partially in blue). The third reason is that commencing with “ ‘He’ ” seems strikingly unusual, with Isaiah 6:9 having more possibility to commence with “ ‘He’ ” somewhere, although, in context, it may be remote.
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Scholars Acknowledge Differences in Wording; Three Modifications, 1, 2, and 3 Below
Scholars acknowledge differences between the quotation’s wording and the Hebrew and Septuagint text. I am aware of three possible modifications, but there could be more. Whether they are author modifications, everything is Sacred Scripture, blessed by God. Whether modification disclosure was even customary 2,000 years ago, when God speaks, it overrides everything and is a non-issue.
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1. The Author’s Prayer For Mercy and Modification Beginning With “ ‘He’, ” Our Notice
Starting with the good first, using the first word “ ‘He’ ” of God, “... It is characteristic of love to think first of the one whom we love. ...”, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 2804, in part. Amazingly, there is a probable same author association in 1 John 4:8, 16, stating “God is love” twice. It appears intended literally, and picturing “God is love,” which is beyond us, is evidence of the author’s ineffable awareness.
It is ironic, all considered, an inconsistent appearance, casting outright blame upon God, with the deepest of loving adoration for Him. The sense of author adamance in support of “could” (though eventually discovered to perhaps be superficial) is as if the author was praying God will allow it to remain, becoming part of Sacred Scripture (with mercy an implicit part of it). Especially considered with the third modification below, the author’s love seen above continues the sense of a possible author prayer for mercy on behalf of the Jewish people And Remains.
The first word alone is our Notice (viz., “Something’s up here!”)! Beginning with “ ‘He’ ” is unusual. Flatly blunt from the start seems a bit cruel with somewhat of a pretentious sense of indifference. Its notice draws interest into what Isaiah 6:10 does state, confirming it is unusual and discovering other modifications.
I cannot find where it commences with “ ‘He’ ” in this context, but it could be an oversight. None of approximately 60 English translated versions of Isaiah 6:10, including the Septuagint, have extractable wording that can commence with “ ‘He’ ” in this context. See the links at “See the Septuagint and other versions of Isaiah 6:10” in yellow below.
Consider the author of Acts 28:27 was able to quote Isaiah 6:10 near-exact to the letter, verbatim et literatim with Matthew 13:15. The Lord Jesus is quoting Isaiah 6:10, strongly implying the complete contrary of this quotation casting outright striking blame upon God. There was nothing more than a dulling of their understanding of parables, not providing public interpretations, mere inaction of God, nothing more.
2. The Hardening of Their Heart by God
More modification follows (and having more certainty), but next consider “hardened” in “ ‘He ... hardened their heart’ ”. No less than subtly, it is harsher in effect, subtly in tone (yet a hint of criminal, prison), but tending to fix in memory beyond virtually all other terms used in various versions of Isaiah 6:10 (callous, dull, insensitive, and others). See the links at “See the Septuagint and other versions of Isaiah 6:10” in yellow below. As far as I am aware, of about 55 English translation versions of the Bible, about three or four use either hard, harden (or hardened) regarding the heart. Not many, and perhaps even they were influenced by John 12:40. After All, a scholarly NABRE note on Isaiah 6:9-10 seems astutely aware of John 12:40 Addressing “harden.” It appears to be a fair assumption: Their Version Of Isaiah, Chapter 6, Does Not Even Have “harden.” However, Most Unusual, They Still Address It (For Real)!
Support
See the Septuagint and other versions of Isaiah 6:10, Septuagint, Bible Study Tools; Bible Gateway, “Isaiah 6:10 in all English translations”.
3. Modification Emphasizing Sight
I have reason to believe this is a near-certain modification: there was a deletion of the prophet’s reference to ears and hearing, possibly for the author’s preference emphasizing eyes and sight. See Father John McKinnon, John 12:37-43. Either considering this alone or everything overall, it is in good faith but “appears” to lack discretion, having a sense unawareness, or for whatever reason. Nevertheless, despite what “appears,“ there is some rationale for all of this, basically (but discussed further below), the emphasis on sight is ours, yes, indeed, you have been looking at it: “could” Harshness to God through dead-set author adherence to ”could” is acceptable and dismissed by the Lord, for the sake of some worthy of mercy at the final judgment that He Will Never Forget. With them in mind coming from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, why should we believe ”would” is more appropriate?
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Expulsion From the Synagogue
The scholarly NABRE note on Isaiah 6:9-10 (mentioned above) also indicates in Isaiah’s time, in bringing the people to conversion, the hardening or callousness of hearts is more particularly seen in, and perhaps a fair reading is, as significantly the fault of, the leaders themselves, by their refusal to see, hear, and understand. Whether intended in Isaiah’s time, it applies sufficiently to merit the Lord Jesus’ worthy consideration. Within John 12:37-43, at 12:42, belief in the Lord Jesus was cause for expulsion from the synagogue. He also struggled with the leaders’ harsh, cold-heartedness, painfully, even to death.
Expulsion from the synagogue is far more than subtlety. There was an undue influence upon many, even with the possibility of mind-control over some. It also represents the compounding of other improper persuasions by leaders, in addition to the coercion through external circumstances. We should not shrug off that it signifies expulsion from their religion and tends to have a more radical impact upon them. It is one established by their ancestors long ago, beyond the parting of the Red Sea. In addition, being part of a new and separate small religious group, even isolated, was also very stressful, potentially heartbreaking, even beyond. It was a time of great decisiveness among close family members and friends, even with the possibility compelled finding a new home, even wrong ruling out a potential for death. It was a notable concern in John 12:42-43 itself, negatively affecting those with the strength to believe.
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Plausible Rationale for Everything
Perhaps carried to an extreme, but we are searching for answers, at least consider the modification above emphasizing sight rather than hearing has an intention of being ours. As stated, I believe the author had an ineffable awareness of God’s love beyond us. In maintaining “could” in John 12:39, to the extent of a desperate supporting quotation of Isaiah 6:10 in John 12:40, it perhaps appears to account for a human being’s overzealousness, lack of awareness, lack of discretion, or, Oh Yes, Indeed, A Real Good Combination Too (Plus Some!). However, considering that the most aggressive attorneys probably would correct An Unlikely Draft, I have no explanation except what follows this!
Arguably, the author intended “could” with a passion for the World to see, praying dearly for it. We know you have now been looking at it.
What else do we know, or fairly? Their lack of belief was through a shortcoming (not through God), and the purpose for “could” was brought to our attention, supported by the Holy Spirit. We also know every individual soul is precious to God. Remember, discussed above (including ᶠⁿⒷ of this appendix), the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with His bold charisma and mind-boggling uninterpreted parables among rough, morally corrupt crowds, searching for One Lost Sheep (hecklers, dealt with “later”).
Also, consider the forgiveness of the Jewish people within the precious final dying words of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, Luke 23:34, NABRE; KJV; See also, Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Paragraph. 597.
The Lord Jesus may have accepted wording a bit harsh upon God in the interest of fairness for some worthy of mercy in the end. As He taught, contrary to self-interest, there should occasionally be an acceptance of some burden, detriment, or responsibility for the beneficial fair sake of others. For example, to some extent, it has similarity to forgiveness of the sins of the World or “So, blame it on Me” After All, Who Would Seriously Believe God Ever Did Anything To Anyone In All Human History Contrary To Faith, Belief In God, In Loving Him? Considering this and the modification rationale above, emphasizing sight (ours, now), there is at least a somewhat plausible rationale for all questionable aspects (to my knowledge) within the inexact quotation.
Naturally, throughout the entire article, including the following section, no one should rely on my words, only those of authority within it.
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3) † Persuasive Evidence †
†
[Matthew 13:10-15, NABRE:]
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[All cross-references (b-d) and all three (3) notes (represented by an asterisk), both with all links, follow below.]
The Purpose of Parables. [An NABRE section title]
10 The disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
11 * He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.
12 b To anyone who has, more will be given* and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
13 * c This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’
14 d Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see.
15 Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.’ [ᶠⁿⒺ]
Cross-references:
d. [13:14–15] Is 6:9–10; Jn 12:40; Acts 28:26–27; Rom 11:8.
Notes:
* [13:11] Since a parable is figurative speech that demands reflection for understanding, only those who are prepared to explore its meaning can come to know it. To understand is a gift of God, granted to the disciples but not to the crowds. In Semitic fashion, both the disciples’ understanding and the crowd’s obtuseness are attributed to God. The question of human responsibility for the obtuseness is not dealt with, although it is asserted in Mt 13:13. The mysteries: as in Lk 8:10; Mk 4:11 has “the mystery.” The word is used in Dn 2:18, 19, 27 and in the Qumran literature (1QpHab 7:8; 1QS 3:23; 1QM 3:9) to designate a divine plan or decree affecting the course of history that can be known only when revealed. Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven means recognition that the kingdom has become present in the ministry of Jesus.
* [13:12] In the New Testament use of this axiom of practical “wisdom” (see Mt 25:29; Mk 4:25; Lk 8:18; 19:26), the reference transcends the original level. God gives further understanding to one who accepts the revealed mystery; from the one who does not, he will take it away (note the “theological passive,” more will be given, what he has will be taken away).
* [13:13] Because ‘they look…or understand’: Matthew softens his Marcan source, which states that Jesus speaks in parables so that the crowds may not understand (Mk 4:12), and makes such speaking a punishment given because they have not accepted his previous clear teaching. However, his citation of Is 6:9–10 in Mt 13:14 supports the harsher Marcan view.
ᶠⁿⒺ Near-exact to the letter, verbatim et literatim in Acts 28:27, as follows: “ ʻGross is the heart of this people; they will not hear with their ears; they have closed their eyes, so they may not see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.’ ” Note the Lord Jesus’ specificity in wording, for example, the only difference of substance, stating “they will hardly hear with their ears” conforming to hearing His offer “called out” [Emphasis added, and see ᶠⁿⒷ above, part also in yellow], Luke 8:8, in part, in the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:1-9; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-8 (as discussed in ᶠⁿⒷ of this appendix above).
The words of the Lord only provide their condition, no need for more. If they could only have opened their hearts to His healing, to touch their heart. It is an occasion for a loss of words, hard elaborating beyond what is necessary for the moment, especially those loved dear. His outright statement is for us to know this much, painfully, then and now. They will always remain His chosen people and will forever be a part of our belief in Him. Further speculation about any hardening of their heart is inappropriate, ending this inquiry.
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The indictment of the Lord Jesus against the Jewish people was a restatement fulfilling the prophecy John 12:40 relied upon, directly to the point. Further, His few words, “ ʻGross is the heart of this peopleʼ ” in Matthew 13:15, in part, are a direct accusation to the point (and complete), contrary to and within John 12:40. The brevity leaves no speculation of guilt, “ ʻGross is the heart of this peopleʼ ” with all understanding naturally following from it, complete (and mentioned below, even brevity from His Heart, subject to our vicarious and sympathetic perception)
If God caused any hardening or callousness of their heart, there would be some disclosure, somewhere, only fair through human reason. There naturally is an obligation to disclose any influencing actions mitigating their guilt, especially an accusation and indictment of His chosen people. However, again, there were no actions of hardening or callousness, merely inactions of no parable interpretations, uncertain or unknown parable meanings (see ᶠⁿⒷ), nothing more. Cf. Psalm 78:2; Matthew 13:11, 35; Mark 4:11-12; Luke 8:10.
The Lord Jesus sees it contrary to John 12:40. He does not mention God, past or present, or Isaiah hardening their heart. Neither God (Before And After) Nor Isaiah Hardened Their Heart.
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4) Summation of John 12:37-43 at the Time of Christ
They “could not” believe in the Lord Jesus upon His arrival, but most accurately understood, they would not believe in the Lord Jesus. The Jewish population at the time Still Had Gross Hearts, Matthew 13:15, ibid. A fair presumption is that most Jews lost their ability to do so, but of their own accord. It was through free will with no negation to choose what is right, John 12:42. It Was Not By God. Please, erase the concern you may have had from your mind, the possibility of some form of wrongful attribution for ancestral wrongs!
John 12:37-43 is perhaps a summation of the dire ending results of the ministry, having no other way to explain it. The blindness Isaiah foretold was a historical illustration. Cf. John 12 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges, Bible Hub.
God created us in His image and “God is love” 1 John 4:8, 16, in part, and His wish always has been and forever remains our prerogative of free will in faith, whether there is belief in God, in loving Him.
[END]
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