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John 12

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

What does John 12:25 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 12:25 comes from the New Testament of the Bible and presents a paradoxical statement attributed to Jesus.

Literally, the passage states that whoever loves their life will lose it, whereas whoever despises their life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.

The deeper meaning of the verse suggests that those who prioritize their temporal, physical life and its comforts above all else will ultimately lose out on something greater – namely, eternal life.

Conversely, those who do not cling to their earthly life, often understood as not being overly attached to worldly possessions or pleasures, and who may suffer for their faith, will gain eternal life.

This speaks to the Christian concept of self-denial and the pursuit of spiritual values over material ones.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the narrative found in John's Gospel, which portrays Jesus' discussions with His disciples and the crowd about His impending death.

It is set in the context of Jesus' teachings about His purpose and mission. During this period, Jesus was preparing his followers for the time when He would no longer be with them and was emphasizing the importance of self-sacrifice and devotion to God's will as paths to true life.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights the Christian concept of dying to self or self-denial, which is integral to the teachings of Jesus.

From a traditional Christian theological perspective, the verse promotes a life lived in accordance with God’s will rather than merely seeking personal gain or comfort.

Some theologians interpret "hateth his life" as a call to reject a sinful way of life or to take up one’s cross, as in other parts of the Gospels. Liberation theology might understand this as an endorsement of sacrificing personal comfort for the sake of justice and aiding the oppressed.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 12:25 can be taken as encouragement for individuals to focus on spiritual growth and altruistic behavior rather than seeking material success or personal gratification.

The teaching can be applied by volunteering, working towards social justice, engaging in selfless acts, and leading a humble lifestyle.

It can also mean prioritizing time and effort in spiritual or religious practices over secular pursuits.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:39: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 16:25: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
Luke 17:33: "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."
Mark 8:35: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key word for "love" used is "φιλέω" (phileō), which means to have affection for, while the term for "hate" is "μισέω" (miseō), which can mean to detest or to love less by comparison.

Additionally, the words for "life" used twice in this verse both translate from "ψυχή" (psuchē), which refers to the soul or the essence of life, not merely physical life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between this verse and other ancient teachings that emphasize the impermanence of life and the virtue of selflessness.

In Buddhism, the concept of non-attachment to the physical world and the self is central.

Similarly, Stoic philosophy teaches the importance of living a virtuous life rather than pursuing temporary pleasures or material gain.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse does not directly intersect with empirical evidence or scientific understandings.

However, psychological research has often found benefits to altruism and volunteerism, suggesting that there might be subjective well-being and community benefits associated with the kind of self-denying behavior this verse advocates.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights into John 12:25.

Some commentaries focus on the necessity of spiritual transformation and renewal, while others emphasize the radical call to discipleship that involves sacrifice and service.

Many agree that the verse illustrates a recurring theme in John's Gospel: the idea of life coming through death, whether symbolically in the death to self or literally in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 12:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?