Jesus was exposing the real reason His hearers did not believe. He had just said, "I receive not honour from men" (John 5:41) and "ye have not the love of God in you" (John 5:42). Now He names the root: they lived for one another's approval. Barnes describes them as people "who are studious of praise, and live for pride, ambition, and vainglory." Gill says they were "ambitious of honour and respect from one another, as well as from the common people." The question presses the point that a heart set on human praise cannot easily receive a humble Savior.

The answer is plain from the question: as long as they lived for each other's honour, they could not believe. Jesus does not wait for a reply. He goes on: "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust" (John 5:45). The text records no answer from His hearers.

The KJV word "honour" translates the Greek doxa, which the ESV renders "glory." It is the same word Jesus uses in John 5:41: "I receive not honour from men." The contrast is between doxa "one of another" and doxa "from God only." The Greek for "God only" is monou Theou, "the only God," which is how the ESV reads it.

Barnes explains that many expected a Messiah of pomp and splendor and could not accept one who came in humility. Gill describes religious leaders who sought applause through prominent seats and honored titles.

This question shows that unbelief is not always a matter of missing evidence. Jesus had named many witnesses: John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the scriptures (John 5:33-39). The problem was a heart pointed in the wrong direction. Barnes concludes, "The great reason why multitudes do not believe is their attachment to human honors, or their pride, and vanity, and ambition."

Jesus Himself shows the other way. He came "in my Father's name" and did not seek honour from men (John 5:41, 43). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary asks, "How can those believe, who make the praise and applause of men their idol!" Barnes adds that if we seek the honour that comes from God, "we shall come to Christ."