John 12 18

John 12:18 kjv

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

John 12:18 nkjv

For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign.

John 12:18 niv

Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him.

John 12:18 esv

The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

John 12:18 nlt

That was the reason so many went out to meet him ? because they had heard about this miraculous sign.

John 12 verses

John 12 18 Meaning

John 12:18 explains that a significant multitude came out to meet Jesus not only due to the widespread testimony of those who had witnessed His power, but specifically because they heard the astounding news that He had raised Lazarus from the dead. This specific miracle served as a powerful magnet, confirming for many Jesus' extraordinary claims and compelling them to seek Him out, contributing directly to the triumphant welcome He received in Jerusalem.

John 12 18 Context

John 12:18 occurs at a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, specifically preceding His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. The immediate context is the preceding verse (Jn 12:17), which explicitly states that those who witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead bore powerful testimony. The resurrection of Lazarus in John 11 was the pinnacle of Jesus' public miracles, a highly visible and undeniable demonstration of His power over death, escalating His popularity to an unprecedented level among the common people. This act also cemented the Jewish religious leaders' determination to have Him killed (Jn 11:53). The crowd's enthusiastic welcome in John 12:12-16, complete with palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna," is directly linked by John to the overwhelming impact of the news of Lazarus's resurrection, showing a critical mass of public favor shifting towards Jesus.

John 12 18 Word analysis

• For this reason (διὰ τοῦτο, dia touto): This Greek phrase explicitly establishes a direct causal link. It ties the actions described in this verse (the crowd going to meet Jesus) directly back to the preceding testimony about Lazarus's resurrection (Jn 12:17). This emphasizes that the witness of the miracle was the primary driving force behind the crowd's action, not simply curiosity or adherence to festival traditions alone. It underscores the undeniable impact of a divine work on public opinion.
• also (καί, kai): In this context, "also" connects this crowd's action to the earlier group that came out of Jerusalem (Jn 12:12-13) or emphasizes that in addition to the witnesses, the entire crowd came for this particular reason. It suggests a combined effect of the news of His coming and the news of the sign.
• the crowd (ὁ ὄχλος, ho ochlos): Refers to a large, unorganized multitude, the common people. In John's Gospel and other Gospels, the "crowd" often contrasts with the "disciples" or the "Jews" (often used by John to refer to the opposing religious leaders). This indicates that it was the general populace, not just those already committed to Jesus, who were drawn. Their collective movement highlights a mass public awakening to Jesus' power.
• went to meet Him (ὑπήντησεν, hypēntēsen): This aorist verb signifies an active, deliberate movement towards Jesus. They were not merely observing or passively encountering Him but were going out of their way, driven by expectation and excitement. This active seeking reinforces the overwhelming effect of the news.
• because (ὅτι, hoti): Similar to "for this reason," this conjunction provides the specific explanation for the crowd's action. It introduces the particular piece of information that motivated them, specifying what they heard that compelled them to act.
• they heard (ἤκουσαν, ēkousan): This emphasizes the power of spoken testimony and rumor. Not all in the crowd would have been eyewitnesses to Lazarus's resurrection (Jn 12:9-11 tells of some coming to see Lazarus and Jesus). However, the hearing of the news was sufficient to instigate widespread movement and belief, showcasing the ripple effect of a powerful miracle and reliable witnesses. This highlights the vital role of evangelism through testimony.
• that He had performed (ἐποίησεν, epoiesen): Denotes a completed action in the past, meaning "He had done" or "He accomplished." It refers to the successful completion of the miracle of raising Lazarus. The use of "He" refers unambiguously to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the agent of this mighty deed.
• this sign (τοῦτο τὸ σημεῖον, touto to sēmeion): This directly points to the resurrection of Lazarus as the specific event that captivated the crowd. In John's Gospel, a "sign" (σημεῖον) is not merely a miracle, but a deed with a deeper symbolic meaning, designed to point to Jesus' divine identity as the Christ and the Son of God (Jn 20:30-31). The public recognition of this powerful sign underscores its effectiveness in revealing Jesus' authority and purpose.

• "For this reason also the crowd went to meet Him": This phrase clearly identifies the direct cause-and-effect. The crowd's active pursuit of Jesus was not coincidental but a direct consequence of a specific event and its ensuing report. It signifies the popular momentum gathering around Jesus, indicating His widespread recognition among the masses.
• "because they heard that He had performed this sign": This segment precisely pinpoints the catalyst for the crowd's movement. The widespread hearing and belief in the reality of Jesus' power to raise the dead, particularly Lazarus, compelled a vast number of people to personally seek Him out. It shows the incredible persuasive power of a verifiable, profound miracle, even when only relayed by testimony rather than direct observation for all.

John 12 18 Bonus section

The immediate outcome described in John 12:19 is the lament of the Pharisees, "You see that you accomplish nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!" This verse highlights the deep despair of the religious establishment, indicating their utter frustration at their inability to contain Jesus's burgeoning popularity, which was directly fueled by such "signs" as raising Lazarus. The "world" here signifies the broad populace, validating the "great multitude" of John 12:18 and demonstrating that the ripple effect of Lazarus's resurrection extended far beyond just the immediate witnesses, ultimately leading to the confrontation that resulted in Jesus's crucifixion. The "sign" itself acted as both a magnet for faith and a catalyst for escalating opposition.

John 12 18 Commentary

John 12:18 serves as a concise yet profound explanation for the tremendous public acclaim Jesus received during His Triumphal Entry. It immediately connects the extraordinary display of enthusiasm to the singular, undeniable miracle of Lazarus's resurrection. The verse underscores that while some sought Jesus for various reasons, for this particular "great multitude," the news of His having raised Lazarus was the paramount reason for their zealous reception. This highlights the persuasive power of Christ's divine works, particularly one so undeniably spectacular as conquering death. It wasn't simply a casual hearing, but a reception of news so impactful that it propelled large numbers to actively seek Him. This event not only affirmed Jesus' identity as the Lord of life for the believing crowds but also sealed the decision of His adversaries to seek His demise, showcasing the polarizing effect of His ultimate sign. It underscores how the public's perception of Jesus was deeply shaped by His demonstrative acts of power.