13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.
13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.
13 This kind of talk went on in guarded whispers because of the intimidating Jewish leaders.
13 However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.
13 But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 7:13
Commentary on John 7:1-13
(Read John 7:1-13)
The brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted, when they found there was no prospect of worldly advantages from him. Ungodly men sometimes undertake to counsel those employed in the work of God; but they only advise what appears likely to promote present advantages. The people differed about his doctrine and miracles, while those who favoured him, dared not openly to avow their sentiments. Those who count the preachers of the gospel to be deceivers, speak out, while many who favour them, fear to get reproach by avowing regard for them.