Charles Ellicott Commentary John 12:11

"because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus." — John 12:11 (ASV)

Many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.—Better, were going away, and believing on Jesus. The tenses mark the continuance of the secession, and the two words mark the two acts by which on the one hand they were going away from the authority of the priests and, on the other hand, were believing on Jesus. (Compare to John 12:18.)