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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 12:47 mean?

Explanation

John 12:47 captures Jesus Christ expressing His mission and posture towards the world during His earthly ministry.

Contrary to the expectations of some who believed the Messiah would immediately establish His kingdom with rigorous judgment, Jesus clarifies His first coming's nature as salvific, not condemnatory.

Though His words are truth and bear the weight of judgment, in this instance, He chooses not to exercise that judgment.

Rather, Jesus focuses on the opportunity for salvation, emphasizing both His patience and the availability of grace.

The verse encapsulates a profound dichotomy: His words inherently judge falsehood, but His mission, for the time being, is to offer a chance for salvation rather than to execute immediate judgment.

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Historical Context

John 12:47 is part of the larger narrative of the Gospel of John, which is believed to have been written between 90 and 100 A.D. This Gospel differs from the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) by providing more interpretive and theological portrayals of Jesus' life and ministry.

The verse falls within the account of Jesus' public teachings shortly before His crucifixion.

The historical context of this period is marked by Jewish anticipation of a messianic figure who would deliver them from Roman oppression.

Instead, Jesus addresses the spiritual needs of humanity and positions Himself as a savior for all people from sin, as opposed to only delivering socio-political salvation.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse supports the doctrine of Soteriology, which involves the study of salvation. It presents Jesus as a figure who is patient and inviting, rather than immediately punitive.

The verse is also a foundation for discussions on the roles of Jesus as both Judge and Savior, which are to be fully realized at different times. According to Christian eschatology, the time for judgment will come, but at this stage, Jesus underscores His role as Savior.

This verse illustrates a Christological focus on Jesus as embodying love and offering redemption.

Practical Applications

The practical implications of John 12:47 are significant for believers and non-believers alike.

For believers, it serves as a reminder of the merciful nature of God and the opportunity to embrace His offer of salvation.

It encourages a non-judgmental approach to evangelism, focusing on God's love and the good news of redemption, rather than the threat of judgment.

For non-believers, the verse can be seen as an invitation to consider the teachings of Jesus and the grace available to all without immediate risk of judgment for unbelief.

Cross-References

John 3:17: "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
John 8:15: "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man."
John 5:22: "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:"
Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Language Study

The original language of the Gospel of John is Koine Greek.

In this verse, key terms include:

ἀκούω (akouō): Often translated as "hear", implies listening or paying attention.
πιστεύω (pisteuō): Translated as "believe", connotes placing faith or trust in something or someone.
κρίνω (krinō): Translated here as "judge", can mean to select, condemn, or make a decision.

By studying the nuance of these Greek terms, we understand that Jesus speaks of a response that involves not just hearing but also internalizing and trusting His words, and how His mission at that time was not to bring down decisions of condemnation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions and myths, gods often enact immediate justice or vengeance upon disbelievers or sinners.

In contrast, the characterization of Jesus in John 12:47 as one who offers salvation rather than instantaneous judgment is relatively unique.

It speaks to the Christian concept of grace and a period of divine forbearance before final judgment, which differs from many other ancient religious narratives where divine figures often demand immediate compliance.

Scientific Perspectives

While John 12:47 addresses spiritual and theological concepts, scientific perspectives can be engaged when considering the psychological and social implications of its message.

Empirical studies on forgiveness and non-condemnatory behavior has shown benefits to both mental health and community cohesion, paralleling the biblical principles of non-judgment and offering opportunities for reconciliation as exhibited by Jesus in this passage.

Commentaries

Commentators have approached John 12:47 in various ways.

Some emphasize the distinction between Jesus' first and second comings, with the former focusing on offering salvation and the latter bringing judgment.

Others point to the verse as evidence of Jesus’ mission to illuminate the truth rather than punish ignorance or disbelief on the spot.

Still, others perceive it as a directive for Christian behavior, encouraging a patient and loving witness to the world, mirroring Jesus' approach during His earthly ministry.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:47 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 12:47 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?