John 12 21

John 12:21 kjv

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

John 12:21 nkjv

Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

John 12:21 niv

They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus."

John 12:21 esv

So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

John 12:21 nlt

paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, "Sir, we want to meet Jesus."

John 12 verses

John 12 21 Meaning

John 12:21 describes a pivotal moment where certain Greeks, having come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, approach Philip, one of Jesus' disciples, with a direct and profound request: "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." This request signals the growing, universal reach of Jesus' ministry beyond the Jewish people, anticipating the spread of the Gospel to all nations. It foreshadows Jesus' glorification through His impending death and resurrection, which will draw all people to Himself.

John 12 21 Context

John 12:21 follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Jn 12:12-19), an event that fueled messianic expectations and drew public attention. This moment signifies the peak of Jesus' popularity just days before His crucifixion. The "Greeks" mentioned in the preceding verse (Jn 12:20) have come up to worship at the Passover Feast, indicating they are likely "God-fearers" – Gentiles who were drawn to Jewish monotheism and customs but had not fully converted. Their arrival is a crucial turning point, acting as a catalyst for Jesus to announce that "the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (Jn 12:23), initiating the events leading directly to His death, resurrection, and the universal spread of His message. Historically and culturally, Jerusalem during Passover would be bustling with pilgrims, including diaspora Jews and Gentile proselytes/God-fearers from across the Roman Empire, making such an encounter plausible and significant as a symbolic representation of the nations.

John 12 21 Word analysis

• These then came (οὖτοι οὖν ἦλθον, outoi oun ēlthen): "These" refers directly back to the "certain Greeks" from John 12:20. The "then" (οὖν) indicates a logical consequence or progression, linking the Greek pilgrims' presence to their specific action. Their proactive movement towards Jesus' disciples signifies initiative and spiritual yearning from outside the traditional Jewish framework.
• to Philip (πρὸς Φίλιππον, pros Philippon): Philip's name (Φίλιππος, Philippos) is Greek, meaning "lover of horses." He was one of the twelve apostles (Jn 1:43-44) and is depicted in the Gospels as being practical, somewhat hesitant, and, importantly here, a potential bridge to Gentiles due to his name and possibly his background.
• who was from Bethsaida in Galilee (ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, apo Bēthsaida tēs Galilaias): Bethsaida (meaning "House of the Fisher/Hunter") was a town in Galilee, situated near the Sea of Galilee. Galilee itself was known as "Galilee of the Gentiles" (Isa 9:1, Mt 4:15), a region with a diverse population where Jews and Gentiles lived in close proximity and interacted significantly. Philip's origin from such a cosmopolitan area likely made him a more approachable figure for these Greek-speaking visitors compared to disciples from more exclusively Jewish areas.
• and asked him (ἠρώτων αὐτὸν, ērōtōn auton): This implies a respectful, earnest inquiry rather than a demanding one. The verb form can suggest a continuous or repeated asking.
• saying (λέγοντες, legontes): Standard introductory phrase for direct speech.
• Sir (Κύριε, Kyrié): This is a polite, respectful form of address, similar to "Master" or "Lord." It does not necessarily denote a recognition of Jesus' divinity at this point, but certainly acknowledges His authority and importance as a teacher or revered person. It’s the common term a disciple or an enquirer would use.
• we wish to see Jesus (Θέλομεν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἰδεῖν, Thelomen ton Iēsoun idein):
  • "we wish" (Θέλομεν, Thelomen): Expresses a strong desire or intention, not merely a casual curiosity. It is a genuine longing.
  • "to see" (ἰδεῖν, idein): This Greek verb is significant. It can mean literal physical sight, but in biblical and spiritual contexts, it often implies more: to perceive, understand, come to know, experience, or gain an audience with. The Greeks desired not just a glimpse but a deeper encounter or understanding of Jesus, a perception of His identity or message. This desire represents the spiritual hunger of the nations for the Savior.
  • "Jesus" (τὸν Ἰησοῦν, ton Iēsoun): The historical person, now identified publicly with the long-awaited Messiah by many, yet largely unknown by reputation in the broader Gentile world. Their specific request to see Jesus highlights His growing fame and magnetic presence.

John 12 21 Bonus section

The seemingly minor detail of the Greeks approaching Philip, who in turn tells Andrew (Jn 12:22), before these two go to Jesus, emphasizes the principle of mediation in evangelism. Those who are culturally or socially connected can act as bridges to Christ. Philip's Greek name and Galilean origin make him a natural intermediary. This sequence of events immediately before Jesus' "hour" statement highlights that Gentile inclusion is inextricably linked to His sacrificial death. It suggests that the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding nations coming to worship God (e.g., Isa 2:2-3, Zec 8:22) is commencing with these "Greeks," foreshadowing the universal mission commissioned after the resurrection. This entire interaction sets the stage for Jesus to explain that spiritual fruitfulness comes through sacrifice, just as a grain of wheat must fall and die to produce many grains, directly applicable to His own death bringing forth a harvest of believers from every nation.

John 12 21 Commentary

John 12:21 acts as a pivotal moment in John's Gospel, dramatically expanding the scope of Jesus' mission. The "Greeks" represent the wider Gentile world and their approach to Philip (and then Andrew) symbolizes the Gentile's coming to faith, mediated through those who already know Christ. Their request, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus," is simple yet profoundly prophetic. It's more than a wish for a mere physical sighting; it reflects a spiritual hunger to comprehend who Jesus truly is, to encounter Him personally, and to understand His message. This longing for Jesus from outsiders is particularly significant following the mixed reception He received among many Jews, including rejection from religious leaders. This Gentile interest triggers Jesus' pronouncement about His "hour" having arrived (Jn 12:23), meaning the time for His crucifixion and subsequent glorification, which will enable Him to draw all people – Jews and Gentiles alike – to Himself (Jn 12:32). The verse implicitly confirms that Jesus’ work is for the whole world, and His death will bridge the divide between God and humanity, and between different peoples.