John 12 20

John 12:20 kjv

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

John 12:20 nkjv

Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.

John 12:20 niv

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival.

John 12:20 esv

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.

John 12:20 nlt

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration

John 12 verses

John 12 20 Meaning

John 12:20 signifies the emergence of Gentile interest in Jesus, foreshadowing the global scope of the Gospel beyond ethnic Israel. It marks a pivotal moment where Jesus' earthly ministry is explicitly recognized by non-Jews seeking Him during a major Jewish festival, indicating the approach of His "hour" of glorification through suffering and death that would draw all humanity to Himself.

John 12 20 Context

This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Jn 12:12-19) on what is known as Palm Sunday. The Pharisees, exasperated by Jesus' popularity, lamented, "Look, the world has gone after him!" (Jn 12:19). The arrival of these Greeks dramatically proves their point, symbolizing the very "world" extending its reach to Jesus. This event directly triggers Jesus' profound discourse (Jn 12:23-36) where He declares, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified," indicating that the influx of Gentiles is a sign that His crucifixion, resurrection, and subsequent global drawing of all people is imminent. Historically, the Feast of Passover was a mandatory pilgrimage festival for all Jewish males to Jerusalem, but it also attracted "God-fearers" or proselytes from Gentile nations who were drawn to Jewish monotheism. Their presence signifies a bridge between the Jewish expectation of Messiah and the broader world.

John 12 20 Word analysis

• Now (δὲ, de): This connective particle introduces a new, significant development in the narrative, a shift from the Jewish crowd's excitement to the interest of non-Jews. It marks a transition point in Jesus' public ministry.
• among those: Signifies they were part of the general concourse, observers rather than primary actors in the immediate Jewish setting, yet their presence stands out.
• who went up (ἀναβαίνοντες, anabainontes): The imperfect participle denotes ongoing action, specifically ascending. Jerusalem was geographically elevated, making "going up" a common phrase for pilgrimage to the city, especially for major festivals.
• to worship (προσκυνήσαι, proskynēsai): From proskyneō, meaning "to prostrate oneself," "to do obeisance," or "to show reverence." This indicates their specific, religious purpose for coming to the Feast – they were sincere seekers of God. It's a deep act of devotion, not mere attendance.
• at the feast (ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ, en tē heortē): Refers to the Passover feast (as indicated by the broader context of John 12). This was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals for Jews, underscoring the spiritual nature and scale of the gathering, attracting visitors from diverse backgrounds.
• were some Greeks (Ἕλληνές τινες, Hellēnes tines): "Greeks" (Hellēnes) here primarily denotes non-Jews, often Hellenized individuals who spoke Greek and assimilated some Greek culture. Importantly, these were not casual tourists but "God-fearers" – Gentiles who, though not fully converted to Judaism, attended synagogue and were attracted to the worship of the God of Israel. Their desire to "worship at the feast" distinguishes them from purely ethnic Greeks without religious inclination.

• "went up to worship": This phrase highlights the pilgrims' devout intention. It underlines that these Gentiles were not mere spectators but genuine seekers involved in religious observance connected to Judaism, even if they were not ethnically Jewish. Their pilgrimage underscores their spiritual yearning and receptivity.
• "some Greeks who went up to worship": This grouping points to the expansion of divine attraction beyond ethnic boundaries. Their presence at the Passover, an inherently Jewish festival commemorating freedom, symbolizes the imminent universal freedom offered through Christ, who is about to be crucified at this very Passover.

John 12 20 Bonus section

The request by these Greeks to Philip (Jn 12:21) – "Sir, we wish to see Jesus" – is significant. It's not a mere curious glance but implies a desire for a deeper encounter, to understand His teaching or person. The Greek word idein ("to see") often connotes perception and understanding beyond physical sight, leading to the implication that these Greeks wanted to know Jesus. That they approach Philip, who had a Greek name and perhaps an understanding of Greek culture or language (along with Andrew, also with a Greek name), shows a practical attempt to bridge cultural divides. While the narrative does not explicitly show Jesus meeting them, their desire prompts the declaration of His universal mission, revealing that "seeing Jesus" will ultimately involve experiencing the saving power of His cross for all. This points to a deeper spiritual longing in Gentile hearts that found its fulfillment in Christ.

John 12 20 Commentary

John 12:20 is a profound theological statement cloaked in a simple observation. The arrival of these "Greeks" — non-Jews drawn to the God of Israel — immediately follows the peak of Jesus' popularity in Jerusalem, as evidenced by His triumphal entry. Their appearance signifies a crucial turning point, acting as the catalyst for Jesus' declaration, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." This is Jesus' acknowledgment that His mission is no longer solely for the lost sheep of Israel, but is now expanding to encompass the entire world. The Gentiles, symbolically represented by these Greeks, seeking Jesus is the ultimate sign for Him that His redemptive work, specifically His suffering and death on the cross, is ripe for fulfillment. This pivotal moment underscores that the Gospel, though beginning with Israel, was always destined to bless "all the families of the earth" (Gen 12:3), culminating in Christ's death and resurrection drawing all people to Himself. It teaches us that authentic seeking often precedes spiritual revelation.