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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 12:32 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 12:32 in the King James Version states: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." This is a statement made by Jesus Christ, expressing a profound truth about the nature of His mission and the effect of His sacrifice.

The phrase "if I be lifted up from the earth" is commonly understood to refer to Jesus' crucifixion, where He was physically lifted up on the cross.

The term "lifted up" not only signifies His death but is also indicative of His glorification and exaltation that would follow. The lifting up on the cross would serve as a pivotal event that draws all people towards Him, signifying the universal scope of His redemptive work.

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Historical Context

The verse is set within the context of Jesus' final days before His crucifixion.

Jesus was speaking to a mixed audience, including His disciples, curious onlookers, and some Greeks who had come to seek Him.

This period was marked by the Jewish Feast of Passover in Jerusalem, which commemorated the Hebrews' liberation from Egyptian slavery.

In this climate of heightened expectation and messianic hope, Jesus foretells His death, indicating not only the manner of His death but its purpose and consequence as well.

Theological Insights

From a theological stance, this verse touches upon several important doctrines:

Christology: It relates to the nature and work of Christ as the Savior of the world who, through His crucifixion, provides salvation to all who believe in Him.
Soteriology: It encapsulates the belief that Jesus' death on the cross is the central event through which humanity can achieve reconciliation with God.
Universalism: Some theologians see in this verse an indication of universal salvation, suggesting that the drawing power of the cross has implications for the whole of humanity, although interpretations vary widely among denominations.
Atonement: It reflects on the atonement theory, where Jesus' death is a sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and draws humans back to God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 12:32 invites individuals to reflect on the significance of the crucifixion in their own lives.

It calls for believers to acknowledge the extent of Jesus' sacrifice and to respond to His love by drawing closer to Him.

It also encourages the faithful to evangelize, sharing the message of the cross, with the assurance that Christ Himself will draw people to Him.

Cross-References

John 3:14: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:"
John 8:28: "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things."
Isaiah 11:10: "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "lifted up" is "ὑψωθῶ" (hypsōthō), which can mean to raise on high, exalt, or to lift up from the ground.

The term "draw" is "ἑλκύσω" (helkysō), meaning to drag or to draw towards, indicating an inward and magnetic pull.

"All men" or "πάντας" (pantas) refers to all people without distinction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of a central sacrificial figure can be found in various ancient religions. The idea of a god or hero undergoing suffering or death for the benefit of humanity exists in numerous myths.

However, Jesus' crucifixion is unique in Christian thought because it represents a historical event with spiritual and eternal implications rather than just a symbolic myth.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the discussion on the effects of belief and faith on individuals and communities might be relevant.

For example, the "noetic" effect of sin suggests that a person's spiritual state can affect their cognitive abilities, which could be linked in modern understanding to the influence of beliefs on mental health and societal behavior.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 12:32 are diverse:

Classic commentaries, such as those by Matthew Henry or John Gill, emphasize the prophecy of Christ's death and its necessity for the salvation of humankind.
Modern scholars often focus on the socio-political implications of the verse, its narrative context, and the Johannine community's understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission.
Some commentaries also engage with the paradox of the cross as both a symbol of death and a means of glorification in Christian soteriology.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:32 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 12:32 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?