John 12:47
New International Version
“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

New Living Translation
I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.

English Standard Version
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

Berean Standard Bible
As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

Berean Literal Bible
And if anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.

King James Bible
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

New King James Version
And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

New American Standard Bible
If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

NASB 1995
“If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

NASB 1977
“And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

Legacy Standard Bible
And if anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

Amplified Bible
If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but to save the world.

Christian Standard Bible
If anyone hears my words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If anyone hears My words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

American Standard Version
And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Contemporary English Version
I am not the one who will judge those who refuse to obey my teachings. I came to save the people of this world, not to be their judge.

English Revised Version
And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If anyone hears my words and doesn't follow them, I don't condemn them. I didn't come to condemn the world but to save the world.

Good News Translation
If people hear my message and do not obey it, I will not judge them. I came, not to judge the world, but to save it.

International Standard Version
If anyone hears my words and doesn't keep them, I don't condemn him, because I didn't come to condemn the world, but to save it.

Majority Standard Bible
As for anyone who hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

NET Bible
If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

New Heart English Bible
And if anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Webster's Bible Translation
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Weymouth New Testament
And if any one hears my teachings and regards them not, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

World English Bible
If anyone listens to my sayings and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and if anyone may hear My sayings, and not believe, I do not judge him, for I did not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.

Berean Literal Bible
And if anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.

Young's Literal Translation
and if any one may hear my sayings, and not believe, I -- I do not judge him, for I came not that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if any hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if anyone has heard my words and not kept them, I do not judge him. For I did not come so that I may judge the world, but so that I may save the world.

New American Bible
And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.

New Revised Standard Version
I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he who hears my words, and does not obey them, I will not judge him; for I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And whoever hears my words and does not keep them, I am not judging him, for I have come, not to judge the world, but to give life to the world.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And if any one hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Godbey New Testament
And if any one may hear my words, and not keep them, I do not judge him: for I came not that I may judge the world, but that I may save the world.

Haweis New Testament
And if any man, hearing my words, believeth not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Mace New Testament
but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world.

Weymouth New Testament
And if any one hears my teachings and regards them not, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

Worrell New Testament
And, if any one hears My words, and keeps them not, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Worsley New Testament
And if any one hear my words and believe not, I do not condemn him: for I am not now come to condemn the world, but to save the world.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Belief and Unbelief
46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. 47 As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.…

Cross References
John 3:17
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

John 5:24
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

John 8:15-16
You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. / But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone; I am with the Father who sent Me.

John 6:37
Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Matthew 18:11
For the Son of Man came to save the lost.

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

1 John 4:14
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.

Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 3:18
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.

John 17:3
Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

Isaiah 53:11
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.


Treasury of Scripture

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

I judge.

John 12:48
He that rejecteth 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.

John 5:45
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

John 8:15,16,26
Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man…

for.

John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Matthew 18:11
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

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John 12
1. Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.
9. The people flock to see Lazarus.
10. The chief priests consult to kill him.
12. Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
20. Greeks desire to see Jesus.
23. He foretells his death.
37. The people are generally blinded;
42. yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;
44. therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.














As for anyone who hears My words
The phrase "hears My words" emphasizes the act of listening to the teachings of Jesus. In the Greek, the word for "hears" is "ἀκούω" (akouo), which implies not just hearing but understanding and considering. This suggests an invitation to engage deeply with Jesus' message. Historically, Jesus spoke to diverse audiences, including those who were skeptical or hostile. The call to hear His words is a call to openness and receptivity, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospels.

and does not keep them
The phrase "does not keep them" refers to the failure to obey or adhere to Jesus' teachings. The Greek word "τηρέω" (tēreō) means to guard, observe, or keep. This implies a conscious decision to either follow or disregard His teachings. In a historical context, this reflects the reality of Jesus' ministry, where many heard His words but chose not to follow Him. The call to keep His words is a call to discipleship and commitment.

I do not judge him
Here, "I do not judge him" reflects Jesus' mission during His earthly ministry. The Greek word "κρίνω" (krinō) means to judge or condemn. Jesus emphasizes that His purpose is not to bring immediate judgment. This aligns with the broader scriptural narrative of Jesus as the Savior, not the judge, during His first coming. It highlights the grace and patience of God, offering time for repentance and faith.

For I have not come to judge the world
The phrase "I have not come to judge the world" reiterates Jesus' mission of salvation rather than condemnation. The term "world" (κόσμος, kosmos) refers to humanity in its fallen state. Jesus' first coming was characterized by a mission of mercy and redemption. This reflects the heart of the Gospel message, where Jesus offers salvation to all, regardless of their initial response to His words.

but to save the world
Finally, "but to save the world" encapsulates the purpose of Jesus' incarnation. The Greek word "σῴζω" (sōzō) means to save, deliver, or make whole. This salvation is comprehensive, addressing spiritual, physical, and eternal needs. Historically, this mission was fulfilled through Jesus' death and resurrection, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled with God. The phrase underscores the hope and promise of the Gospel, inviting all to receive the gift of salvation through faith in Christ.

(47) And if any man hear my words, and believe not.--The better reading is, . . . and keep them not. (Comp., for the words "hear" and "keep," Notes on Luke 11:28; Luke 18:21.) For the thought of the verse comp. in this Gospel, Notes on John 3:17 et seq.; 5:24, 45 et seq.; 8:15 ei seq.; and the apparently opposite assertion in John 9:39.

Verse 47. - If any one shall have heard my sayings, and have (guarded) kept them not. Here our Lord passes from the effect of his earthly life, which is light, to that of the words (ῤημάτα) by which the whole future of mankind will be affected, and one is reminded of the close of the sermon on the mount, where the condition of that man is portrayed who hears the λόγους of Christ and doeth them net, whose destiny will be determined by the natural course of things (see Matthew 7:26, 27). Keep (guard) them not (see Matthew 19:20). The "hearing" is clearly not identical with spiritual acceptance, but is restricted to the awful charge of responsibility that comes upon every man who simply hears, knows what Christ's words are, and then "keeps" them not so as to fulfill their intention. Christ says, I judge him not. I am not now pronouncing a sentence upon him; I am his Savior; but this is his condemnation, that he believes not, etc. (John 3:17-19). Our Lord claimed, in the sermon on the mount, to be the Executor of a judgment, and in John 5:22-29 he declared that he would be as Son of man, the final Adjudicator of doom on the disobedient (cf. Matthew 25.), and in many places he made this thought even more solemn by speaking of himself on that occasion, not as the compassionate Savior, but the Administrator of an inviolable law, which cannot be swayed by immediate emotion, but will effectuate itself on eternal and unswerving principles. The Law accuses the old Law (John 5:45) - but I judge him not; for I came (η΅λθον) not to judge, but to save the world, referring to the Incarnation in its purport and supreme motive.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As for
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

anyone who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

hears
ἀκούσῃ (akousē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

words
ῥημάτων (rhēmatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4487: From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

{does} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

keep [them],
φυλάξῃ (phylaxē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5442: Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

{do} not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

judge
κρίνω (krinō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

him.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I have not come
ἦλθον (ēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

judge
κρίνω (krinō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world,
κόσμον (kosmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

save
σώσω (sōsō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world.
κόσμον (kosmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).


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