Charles Ellicott Commentary John 12:43

"for they loved the glory [that is] of men more than the glory [that is] of God." — John 12:43 (ASV)

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.—For "praise" read in both instances glory. "The glory which comes from men more than the glory which came from God." Compare the note on John 5:44, where this truth is put in the form of a question by our Lord. Here it explains the fact that there were men who believed, and yet did not publicly confess their faith. There our Lord’s question goes deeper, and asserts that seeking the glory that comes from men is inconsistent with the existence of any true belief in God.