John 12:38 Commentary - Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

1) "That the word of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled," (hina ho logos Esaiou tou prophetou plerothe) "in order that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled," affirming the truthfulness, accuracy, or trustworthiness of the Scriptures, Psa 119:160. For the Scriptures "cannot be broken," Joh 10:35, because they would not believe, Isaiah foretold this rejection.

2) "Which he spake, Lord," (hon eipen kurie) "In which he said, Lord," or Jehovah, meaning the one who is to come.

3) "Who hath believed our report?" (tis episteusen te akoe hemon) "Who believed our report?" or trusted our testimony, Isa 53:1.

4) "And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" (kai ho brachion kuriou tini apekaluphthe) "And to whom was the arm of the Lord revealed?" The term "arm of the Lord" refers to the miracles Jesus did to show His power, when it was spoken. Isaiah appears to have been in human despond, disappointment, at his prophetic message from God. Isaiah did not stop there, however. He proceeded to give the most vivid description of the coming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God, contained in the Old Testament, Isa 53:2-12; Rom 10:16.