John 5:41

KJV

I receive not honour from men.

KJV (with Strong's)

I receive {G2983} not {G3756} honour {G1391} from {G3844} men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I don’t collect praise from men,

Berean Standard Bible

I do not accept glory from men,

American Standard Version

I receive not glory from men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 5:41, Jesus Christ makes a concise yet profoundly significant declaration, stating, "I receive not honour from men." This statement, delivered amidst intense scrutiny and opposition from Jewish religious leaders, serves as a pivotal revelation of His divine perspective, His absolute independence from human validation, and His singular devotion to glorifying God the Father. It underscores the fundamental difference between seeking earthly acclaim and living solely for divine approval, setting a foundational principle for authentic spiritual motivation and true humility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration is embedded within a larger discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and the Witness to Him"), which begins with Jesus' miraculous healing of an invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. This act immediately provoked the Jewish authorities, leading to accusations that Jesus was not only breaking the Sabbath but, more significantly, "making himself equal with God" ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jesus' Equality with God")). Jesus' subsequent defense is a powerful assertion of His unique divine authority and His intimate, dependent relationship with the Father. His statement in [John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Rejects Human Honor") serves as a direct contrast to the motives of His accusers, whom He later indicts for seeking "honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only" ([John 5:44](/john/5-44 "John 5:44 - The Contrast of Human vs. Divine Honor")). This verse thus functions as a crucial ethical and theological pivot point within Jesus' broader argument for His divine sonship and mission.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly its religious leadership, placed a high value on public honor, reputation, and recognition within the community. Status, lineage, and adherence to traditions (often beyond the Mosaic Law) were significant markers of social and religious standing. Rabbis and religious teachers often vied for prestige and the approval of their peers and the populace. The Sanhedrin, as the supreme religious and judicial body, held immense authority, and its members were deeply invested in maintaining their perceived honor and control. Jesus' actions, particularly healing on the Sabbath and claiming a unique relationship with God, directly challenged their authority and traditions, threatening their established honor system. His rejection of "honor from men" would have been a radical departure from the prevailing cultural norms and a direct affront to the very values His accusers cherished, highlighting His counter-cultural kingdom values.

* **Key Themes:** [John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Rejects Human Honor") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Divine Authority vs. Human Approval** theme, asserting that Jesus' mission and identity are derived solely from God, not from human validation or popular opinion. This is a recurring motif, as seen when Jesus states, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me" ([John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Divine Teaching")). Secondly, it highlights the **True Source of Honor**, implicitly pointing to the honor that comes from God alone. Jesus consistently sought to glorify the Father ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus' Desire to Glorify the Father")), and in turn, the Father glorified Him ([John 8:54](/john/8-54 "John 8:54 - The Father Glorifies Jesus")). This contrasts sharply with those who seek their own glory or the glory of others. Thirdly, the verse subtly underscores the **Humility of Christ**, who, despite His divine status, consistently emptied Himself and pursued the Father's will rather than worldly recognition, embodying the very humility He calls His followers to embrace ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō_):** This verb signifies "to take" or "to get hold of," often implying an active reception or acquisition. In this context, Jesus is not merely stating that He doesn't happen to get honor from men, but that He actively does not "take" or "accept" it. This suggests a deliberate choice and a principled stance against seeking or valuing human praise, distinguishing it from passive receipt.
* **honour (Greek, _dóxa_):** While _dóxa_ frequently translates to "glory" and refers to divine splendor or majesty, here it specifically denotes human praise, recognition, esteem, or reputation. Jesus is not rejecting the divine glory He shares with the Father, but rather the kind of honor that originates from and is bestowed by human beings. This distinction is crucial for understanding His mission and character, emphasizing that His ultimate validation comes from God alone, not from human accolades.
* **men (Greek, _ánthrōpos_):** This term refers to human beings in general, encompassing all people. By stating "from men," Jesus broadens His rejection of human honor beyond just the Jewish leaders to include any human source. This emphasizes the universal principle that His mission and identity are not contingent on any human approval or recognition, but solely on His divine origin and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I receive not honour":** Jesus emphatically declares that He does not accept or pursue honor. The Greek word for "not" (G3756, _ou_) is an absolute negative, indicating a definitive and categorical denial. This is not a statement of inability but of deliberate choice and principle. Jesus' very being and mission are rooted in divine will, making human praise irrelevant to His purpose. His rejection of human honor highlights His unique identity as one whose validation comes exclusively from the Father, contrasting sharply with those who crave human applause.
* **"from men":** This phrase specifies the source of the honor being rejected. It is not honor from God, which Jesus consistently sought and received, but honor originating from human beings. This distinction is critical. Jesus is not against honor itself, but against the pursuit or acceptance of honor that is rooted in human estimation, which is often fleeting, misguided, or self-serving. This underscores His divine independence and His singular focus on the Father's glory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is central, as Jesus sharply differentiates His motives and source of validation from those of His accusers, who are later revealed to seek "honour one of another" ([John 5:44](/john/5-44 "John 5:44 - The Contrast of Human vs. Divine Honor")). This contrast highlights the spiritual chasm between divine and human perspectives on honor. There is also an element of **Understatement** in Jesus' declaration. While seemingly simple, it profoundly implies His divine nature and self-sufficiency; only one who is truly God would be entirely unconcerned with human accolades. The statement also functions as a **Profound Aphorism**, a concise, memorable statement of a general truth, encapsulating a core principle of Jesus' ministry and character. Finally, the use of the absolute negative "not" creates **Emphasis**, underscoring the unwavering and non-negotiable nature of Jesus' stance against seeking human praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:41 is a profound theological statement that reveals the very essence of Christ's character and mission: His absolute dependence on and devotion to the Father, and His utter independence from human opinion. This principle is foundational to understanding authentic spirituality, where the ultimate audience for all actions is God alone. Jesus' rejection of human honor is not a sign of indifference to humanity, but rather a demonstration of perfect alignment with divine will, setting the standard for all who would follow Him. It challenges believers to examine their own motivations, urging them to prioritize God's approval above all else, thereby finding true freedom from the fleeting and often corrupting pursuit of human validation.

* [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Galatians 1:10 - Paul's Pursuit of God's Approval")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:4-6](/1_thessalonians/2-4-6 "1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 - Pleasing God, Not Men")
* [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Praise Comes from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' declaration in [John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Rejects Human Honor") serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly assess the true source of our motivation and validation. In a world increasingly driven by social media metrics, public opinion, and the pursuit of external affirmation, Jesus' words call us back to a radical, God-centered humility. To truly live out this principle means to intentionally detach our sense of worth and purpose from what others think of us, and instead anchor it firmly in God's unchanging love and approval. This freedom from the need for human applause liberates us to serve, give, and live authentically, not for show, but for the glory of God alone, knowing that His "well done" is the only honor that truly matters. It cultivates a quiet confidence and a deep spiritual peace that transcends worldly recognition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources from which I seek honor or validation in my life?**
* **How does the pursuit of human approval hinder my spiritual growth or my service to God?**
* **In what specific areas of my life can I consciously shift my focus from seeking man's praise to seeking God's approval?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is truly indifferent to human applause and solely devoted to glorifying God?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus explicitly state that He does not receive honor from men?**

Answer: Jesus' statement in [John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Rejects Human Honor") was a direct contrast to the motivations of the Jewish leaders who opposed Him. As revealed in [John 5:44](/john/5-44 "John 5:44 - The Contrast of Human vs. Divine Honor"), these leaders sought "honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only." Jesus, by declaring His indifference to human honor, highlighted His divine nature and mission, which were entirely dependent on the Father's will and approval, not on the fleeting and often corrupting praise of humanity. It underscored His purity of motive and His singular focus on glorifying God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Rejects Human Honor") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of living solely for God's glory, utterly unswayed by human opinion or desire for earthly acclaim. His entire life, from His humble birth to His agonizing death, was a testament to His rejection of human honor in favor of divine obedience. The Gospels consistently portray Jesus as one who "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/phil/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), even though He was "in the form of God" ([Philippians 2:6](/phil/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Divine Nature")). He did not seek the praise of the crowds, nor was He deterred by their rejection, ultimately enduring the cross, "despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/heb/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). His rejection of human honor culminates in His glorification by the Father, demonstrating that true honor comes not from man, but from God alone, a truth powerfully affirmed in passages like [John 8:54](/john/8-54 "John 8:54 - The Father Glorifies Jesus"), where Jesus states, "If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me." Thus, Christ's life is the perfect demonstration and fulfillment of living for divine approval, setting the pattern for all who are called to be His disciples.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 7:18

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

John 5:34

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

John 8:50

And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

John 8:54

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

John 5:44

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

John 6:15

¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.