John 12 30

John 12:30 kjv

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

John 12:30 nkjv

Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.

John 12:30 niv

Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.

John 12:30 esv

Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not mine.

John 12:30 nlt

Then Jesus told them, "The voice was for your benefit, not mine.

John 12 verses

John 12 30 Meaning

John 12:30 signifies that the divine voice heard by the multitude was not for Jesus' own benefit or reassurance, as He already possessed full awareness of His identity and mission. Instead, the audible declaration from the Father was an overt sign specifically intended for the benefit and understanding of the assembled crowd. Its purpose was to authenticate Jesus' claim and work, solidify faith, and remove any doubt for those who witnessed it.

John 12 30 Context

John 12:30 occurs immediately after Jesus, contemplating His imminent suffering and death ("lifted up"), prays, "Father, glorify Your name" (John 12:28). A voice then speaks from heaven. The crowd's reaction is varied: some interpret it as thunder, others as an angel speaking. Verse 30 is Jesus' direct explanation of the heavenly voice's purpose. This entire passage (John 12:20-36) sets the stage for Jesus' final public discourse before His Passion, shifting focus to His glorification through crucifixion and its implications for believers and the world. The arrival of Greeks seeking Jesus earlier in the chapter signifies the breaking down of ethnic barriers and the universal appeal of Christ's mission, foreshadowing His drawing "all people" to Himself (John 12:32).

John 12 30 Word analysis

• Jesus answered and said: This phrasing in John's Gospel often signifies more than a mere reply; it introduces a significant teaching or clarification. It emphasizes the authority and intentionality of Jesus' statement, providing crucial theological insight.
• "This voice": Refers specifically to the audible voice from heaven mentioned in John 12:28. The Greek word phōnē (φωνή) denotes a distinct sound, utterance, or voice, not merely a sound or noise. It indicates a clear communication from God the Father.
• "has not come for My sake": Greek: ouk estin di' eme (οὐκ ἔστιν δι᾽ ἐμέ).
  • Ouk estin (οὐκ ἔστιν): "It is not," a definitive negation.
  • di' eme (δι᾽ ἐμέ): "for My sake" or "because of Me." Jesus firmly states the voice was not for His own validation or encouragement. Jesus, being God in the flesh, had no need for such affirmation from outside Himself, as His unity with the Father was constant. His perfect knowledge and communion meant personal doubt was absent.
• "but for your sakes": Greek: alla di' hymas (ἀλλὰ δι᾽ ὑμᾶς).
  • Alla (ἀλλά): "but," serving as a strong contrast to the previous negative.
  • di' hymas (δι᾽ ὑμᾶς): "for your sakes" or "because of you." This definitively states the true purpose. The voice was intended to benefit the diverse audience present (Jews, Greeks, disciples, doubters). It was for their illumination, conviction, and perhaps conversion. It served as external evidence of divine approval, corroborating Jesus' identity as the Son of God, especially in the face of His impending death and the Father's glorification through it.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes": This declaration encapsulates the divine economy of revelation. God's interventions are purposeful and often serve a redemptive aim for humanity. The contrast highlights Jesus' selfless mission, constantly focused on bringing salvation and understanding to others, not on personal validation. It establishes a pattern where divine manifestations serve to confirm truth for those who are struggling with belief, rather than to strengthen the already unwavering resolve of the Son.

John 12 30 Bonus section

The audible voice in John 12 is the third and final recorded instance of the Father directly speaking from heaven in the Gospels, the previous two being at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration. Significantly, unlike the baptism and transfiguration where the voice directly addressed Jesus or was for the benefit of key disciples, this time it is specifically "for your sakes"—for the general public, including unbelievers, indicating a wider divine appeal and validation as Jesus enters the final stages of His earthly ministry and prepares for His "hour." The "voice" was also somewhat ambiguous to the crowd ("thunder" or "an angel"), highlighting humanity's varying levels of spiritual perception and need for clear explanation from Jesus Himself.

John 12 30 Commentary

John 12:30 acts as a critical interpretive key to the preceding heavenly voice. Jesus immediately clarifies that this audible manifestation of God's presence was not a personal endorsement for Himself, as if He needed reassurance or lacked confidence in His divine nature or mission. Instead, it was an objective, public sign specifically provided for the people who heard it. This demonstrates the Father's direct affirmation of Jesus' identity and work, particularly as He speaks of His glorification through crucifixion. It was an apologetic demonstration for the diverse crowd—some believing, some confused, some hostile—to give them undeniable proof of God's direct involvement with Jesus and His salvific plan, inviting them to believe and acknowledge Him. It serves as a profound example of God communicating directly to humanity for the sake of faith and understanding, preparing hearts for the dramatic events of the Passion that lay ahead.