For even
The phrase "for even" introduces a surprising or unexpected element in the narrative. In the Greek, the word "γὰρ" (gar) is often used to provide an explanation or reason, while "οὐδὲ" (oude) emphasizes the unexpected nature of the statement. This sets the stage for the revelation that those closest to Jesus, His own family, were among the skeptics. This highlights the profound mystery of faith and belief, showing that proximity to Jesus in the flesh did not automatically result in spiritual insight or acceptance.

His own brothers
The term "brothers" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) can refer to biological siblings or close relatives. In the context of first-century Jewish culture, family ties were significant, and the mention of Jesus' brothers not believing in Him underscores the challenge of His earthly ministry. Historically, Jesus' brothers, including James and Jude, later became prominent leaders in the early church, indicating a transformation from skepticism to faith. This transformation is a powerful testament to the impact of Jesus' resurrection and the work of the Holy Spirit.

did not believe
The Greek word for "believe" is "πιστεύω" (pisteuō), which means to have faith or trust. The phrase "did not believe" indicates a lack of faith or trust in Jesus' identity and mission. This disbelief is significant because it shows that even those who witnessed Jesus' life and miracles firsthand struggled with doubt. It serves as a reminder of the human tendency to rely on physical evidence and the difficulty of embracing spiritual truths without the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

in Him
The phrase "in Him" emphasizes the object of belief—Jesus Himself. Belief in Jesus is not merely intellectual assent but involves a personal trust and commitment to Him as the Messiah and Son of God. This belief is central to the Christian faith, as it is through faith in Jesus that individuals receive salvation and eternal life. The lack of belief "in Him" by His brothers at this point in the narrative highlights the necessity of a personal encounter and revelation of Jesus' true nature for genuine faith to arise.

(5) For neither did his brethren believe.--Comp. Note on John 7:3. The words do not admit of any other meaning than the obvious one that even His brethren did not at this time believe Him to be the Messiah. That they are found in the very first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles joining with the Apostles, and the women, and Mary, with one accord in prayer (John 7:14), is one of the striking instances of the hardened ground of human hearts passing into the fruitful ground receptive of the seed, as the case of Judas at the close of the last chapter is an instance of the opposite. For the immediate cause of the decisive change, see 1Corinthians 15:7.

Verse 5. - For not even did his brethren believe in him. The evangelist, writing a generation later, and keenly remembering the attitude the brothers had assumed before the Resurrection, adds, "not even his brothers," who ought to have been the most prominent of his disciples, "did up to this time believe on him," i.e. entrust themselves to him, dispose of their prejudices, change their conceptions, accept his spiritual lead, acknowledge his Divine mission, or know him to be the Holy One of God. They had not come into the position of the twelve. What ideas soever they grasped fell immeasurably short of "eating his flesh and drinking his blood," of coming to him, being given to him and drawn to him by the Father. It was a world Messiah, a theocratic King, a Prophet-Captain, a royal Christ, that they sought and would have been glad to find in him. This treatment of the Lord was another striking parallel to the temptation of Jesus as described by the synoptists, "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me" (see note on ch. 4, and Introduction, VIII. 5). The non-belief of the brothers is in remarkable unison with the widespread unbelief of the people, who were anxious to discern the Christ of their own traditional expectations, and ready to press almost any possible claimant to premature demonstrations. The Pharisees and the people sought some sign from heaven. But while the people demanded it, they expected that he would and might gratify them if he chose. The Pharisees cynically tempted him to proclaim what they believed would prove his irremediable failure (Weiss, 'Life of Christ.,' vol. 3. Eng. trans., pp. 167-188).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

[even]
οὐδὲ (oude)
Adverb
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.

[own]
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brothers
ἀδελφοὶ (adelphoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

did {not} believe
ἐπίστευον (episteuon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

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.


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NT Gospels: John 7:5 For even his brothers didn't believe (Jhn Jo Jn)