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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 12:46 mean?

Explanation

John 12:46 is a statement attributed to Jesus Christ, where he declares himself as the metaphorical light that has entered the world. The notion of "light" in this context is often interpreted as symbolic of truth, goodness, and divine revelation.

The verse conveys a message that belief in Jesus is the way to overcome the metaphorical darkness, which represents ignorance, sin, and falsehood. The emphasis is on the transformative power of faith in Jesus, offering guidance and salvation to followers.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated within the Gospel of John, which is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

The Gospel of John was written to portray Jesus as the Son of God and to present his ministry and teachings.

The historical context of this verse arises from the conflict between early Christians and both the Jewish authorities of the time and the surrounding Hellenistic culture.

The metaphor of light versus darkness was a powerful way to distinguish the Christian message from other religious and philosophical teachings of the era.

Theological Insights

From an evangelical Christian viewpoint, this verse is seen as affirming the divinity of Jesus and his role as the savior.

It confirms the belief that faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation and eternal life.

In Catholic theology, it may be seen in light of Church teachings about Jesus being the light of the world.

Liberal theological interpretations might focus on the metaphor of light as inspiration for personal growth and social justice.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Orthodox theology, the theme of light is often connected with the concept of divine energies and the uncreated light seen by saints during mystical experiences.

Practical Applications

The practical application of John 12:46 involves individuals seeking spiritual understanding and moral guidance through the teachings of Jesus. It encourages believers to live their lives in a manner that reflects the 'light', acting with integrity, love, and compassion.

This verse can also serve as an inspiration for Christians to become beacons of hope and truth in their communities, striving to dispel ignorance and injustice, analogous to darkness, by embodying the values taught by Jesus.

Cross-References

John 1:4-5 - "In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

John 8:12 - "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Matthew 5:14 - "Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."

1 John 1:5 - "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of John 12:46 are "φως" (phōs), meaning "light," and "σκοτία" (skotia), meaning "darkness." The term "φως" is symbolic of truth, knowledge, and divine presence throughout the Gospel of John.

The term "σκοτία" often represents ignorance, evil, and life without God.

The Greek verb "πιστεύω" (pisteuō), translated as "believeth," signifies more than intellectual agreement but rather having faith or trust in something or someone.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Concepts of light as goodness and darkness as evil are prevalent in many religious traditions.

For example, in Zoroastrianism, light represents Ahura Mazda (the supreme deity), and darkness is associated with Angra Mainyu (the evil spirit).

In Hinduism, the festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.

Ancient Egyptian mythology also revered the sun as a symbol of life and a divine force against chaos and darkness.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not provide commentary on the metaphysical concepts of light and darkness as they are represented in John 12:46.

However, light as a physical phenomenon is essential to life on Earth and is deeply studied in the field of physics.

Scientifically, light is electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, and its properties have led to the development of technologies such as lasers, fiber optics, and various medical equipment.

Commentaries

Many Biblical scholars and theologians have written commentaries on John 12:46.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the saving knowledge that Jesus brings, contrasting the spiritual darkness of the world before his coming.

William Barclay notes the recurring theme in the Gospel of John of Jesus as the light, calling people out of the darkness of sin.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the universal invitation that is extended to "whosoever believeth" and the individual response of belief required to step out of darkness.

These commentaries highlight a common understanding of the verse as an essential theological statement about Jesus' mission and identity as the light of the world.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:46 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 12:46 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?