Definition: Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down John 7:13 – “Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.” This is a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse from the Gospel of John. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus was hiding and speaking secretly, protecting himself from being discovered by the Jewish authorities who were looking for him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Howbeit” : This word is a little tricky – it means "even though" or "though." It’s a way of introducing something unexpected that follows. “No man spake openly” : This tells us Jesus wasn't speaking out loud, not in a public setting. He was whispering, perhaps under the cover of darkness, or in secret places. This suggests he was being very careful. “of him” : This refers to Jesus himself. “for fear of the Jews” : This is the key part! The Jewish authorities – the priests and leaders – were concerned . They feared that if Jesus revealed his identity or purpose, it would cause trouble for them and disrupt their plans (likely to arrest him and kill him). So, what's the significance? This verse suggests a few things: Jesus was protecting himself: It’s a powerful image of courage – he wasn’t willing to be caught or punished. He was planning something significant: The fact that he didn't speak openly indicates he was about to reveal a crucial truth, perhaps about his resurrection and victory over death. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a preview of Jesus’s betrayal and eventual sacrifice. It shows his strategic thinking and understanding of the situation surrounding him. It also hints at the events that would lead to his crucifixion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time this passage was written? Discuss a potential interpretation of what it means in relation to Jesus’s ministry?