John 12:38
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Isaiah's ancient words about the rejection of God's servant find their fulfillment in the many who witnessed Jesus's works yet refused to believe.
Context
John quotes Isaiah 53:1 to show that Isaiah foresaw the unbelief that would greet the servant even as his works are witnessed. This is the first of three Isaiah citations in this passage.
What Does John 12:38 Mean?
Isaiah 53:1 speaks in the voice of God's servant, marveling that despite all the evidence—the report of his deeds, the arm of the Lord (God's power and strength) made manifest—there are those who do not believe. When John quotes this, he is not imposing meaning onto Jesus but recognizing that Jesus himself is the fulfillment of Isaiah's suffering servant. The Messiah was always meant to be rejected by many, to be the sign that is spoken against. This does not mean God fails; it means God's plan includes the reality of human freedom to refuse him.
The word arm is worth holding: it means strength, power, creative force. God's arm has made heaven and earth. God's arm has parted the sea, brought water from stone, fed Israel in the wilderness. And in Jesus, that arm becomes visible as suffering service, as love pouring itself out. Some see it and believe. Others see it and turn away, unable to accept a Messiah whose power shows itself in vulnerability. The question who hath believed? is both an expression of wonder and a call to us: Will you believe where others did not?
In the Original Language
akoē (Greek), report or hearing -- that which is heard and reported; the testimony of witnesses.
Application
Do not let the unbelief of others discourage your faith. Many did not believe even when standing face to face with the power of God. Your belief is not made true or false by what others believe. The question is whether you will trust the report, whether you will see God's arm revealed in Christ and say yes.