John 12:33 kjv
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
John 12:33 nkjv
This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
John 12:33 niv
He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:33 esv
He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:33 nlt
He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
John 12 33 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 12:33 | Jesus speaking about his death. | Jesus' own testimony of His purpose |
| John 3:14 | Jesus lifted up like the serpent. | Fulfillment of Old Testament sign |
| John 8:28 | Jesus would be lifted up. | Jesus' prediction of His death |
| Acts 4:27-28 | Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and Israel conspired against Jesus. | Fulfillment of prophetic counsel |
| Acts 13:29 | Those in Jerusalem and their rulers condemned Jesus. | Historical account of crucifixion |
| Genesis 3:15 | Protoevangelium: seed of woman bruising serpent's head. | God's promise of redemption |
| Numbers 21:8-9 | Bronze serpent lifted up for healing. | Typological foreshadowing |
| Isaiah 53:2-5 | Suffering Servant bears sins, pierced for transgressions. | Prophetic description of atonement |
| Isaiah 53:8 | Taken from prison and from judgment; His life cut off. | Prophetic detail of Jesus' fate |
| Psalm 22:1-21 | Messianic psalm describing suffering and exaltation. | Detailed prophetic portrayal |
| Psalm 118:22 | The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. | Jesus as the rejected stone |
| Luke 24:25-26 | Must the Christ suffer these things to enter His glory? | Jesus explaining His suffering |
| 1 Corinthians 1:18 | The message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing. | Cross as stumbling block |
| 1 Corinthians 1:23 | We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block and foolishness. | centrality of the cross in preaching |
| 1 Corinthians 15:3 | Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. | Scriptural basis for His death |
| Philippians 2:8 | Humble Himself and became obedient, even to death on a cross. | Obedience unto death |
| Hebrews 10:10-12 | Sanctified through the offering of Jesus' body once for all. | Efficacy of His sacrifice |
| 1 Peter 2:24 | Bore our sins in His body on the tree. | Personal atonement application |
| Revelation 5:6-10 | Lamb standing as though slain, redeemed people for God. | Christ's sacrificial victory |
| John 1:29 | Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! | Jesus identified as sacrificial Lamb |
| Matthew 20:28 | Son of Man came to give His life a ransom. | Purpose of His life and death |
| Mark 10:45 | Son of Man came to give His life a ransom. | Purpose of His life and death |
| John 10:11 | The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. | Jesus as the Good Shepherd |
John 12 verses
John 12 33 Meaning
This verse declares the manner of Jesus' death, signifying it was not by human choice or earthly execution but by the elevation and sacrifice that would draw all people to Himself. It reveals the divine purpose behind His crucifixion.
John 12 33 Context
This verse occurs during Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. He has just entered Jerusalem to great acclaim, as recorded in John 12:12-19. Following this triumphal entry, Greeks approach Philip asking to see Jesus (John 12:20-21). Jesus' response is a significant declaration about His impending death and resurrection, stating that the "hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). He then uses the analogy of a grain of wheat dying to produce much fruit (John 12:24). Immediately after this, the crowd’s acclamation turns to questions and confusion about Jesus' identity and His eternal kingdom (John 12:29-31). In this moment, as recorded in verse 32, Jesus reiterates His being "lifted up from the earth," promising to "draw all people to myself." Verse 33 then directly explains the meaning of "being lifted up" in terms of the method of His death. This statement directly addresses the misunderstanding of the crowd who may have expected a worldly king to overthrow Roman rule. Instead, Jesus reveals His path to glory and universal drawing power is through sacrificial death.
John 12 33 Word Analysis
- οὖν (oun): Therefore. This is a conjunctive particle, linking this statement to the preceding one about drawing all people. It shows logical consequence.
- ὅτε (hote): When. This temporal conjunction introduces the clause describing the cause or the timing of the drawing power.
- ὕψωθῇ (hypsōthē): shall be lifted up. This is the second person singular aorist passive subjunctive of ὕψω (hypsō), meaning to lift up, exalt, raise. In the Gospels, it carries a double meaning: being physically lifted up on the cross and being exalted to a position of glory and authority. This is a key theological term in John's Gospel for Jesus' crucifixion.
- ἐκ (ek): from. A preposition indicating separation or origin.
- τῆς (tēs): the. The definite article.
- γῆς (gēs): earth. Refers to the physical ground or world. The phrase "lifted up from the earth" literally points to crucifixion.
- πάντας (pantas): all. Refers to all types of people, not necessarily every single individual, but people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
- ἕλξω (helxō): I will draw. The first person singular future active indicative of ἕλκω (helkō), meaning to drag, pull, draw. It implies a powerful, irresistible drawing or attraction, signifying the compelling nature of Christ's sacrifice for humanity.
- πρὸς (pros): to. A preposition indicating direction toward.
- ἐμαυτόν (hemauton): myself. The accusative reflexive pronoun, indicating the object of the drawing is Jesus Himself.
Group Analysis:The phrase "When lifted up from the earth" clearly signifies His crucifixion, connecting the physical act of being raised on the cross to His ascension in heavenly authority. The future tense "I will draw" emphasizes that His death is not an end but the means by which He will exert His influence and power over all humanity. The object "to myself" shows the ultimate purpose is to gather all people unto Himself, establishing His universal reign.
John 12 33 Bonus Section
The term "lifted up" (ὕψωθῇ) in John’s Gospel consistently refers to the crucifixion, but it also strongly implies exaltation. It directly echoes the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses in the wilderness (John 3:14), which provided healing for those bitten by snakes. Just as looking at the bronze serpent brought physical life, looking to Jesus lifted up on the cross brings spiritual life. The imagery also resonates with God's exaltation of Jesus after the resurrection and ascension (Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9). This drawing power is a testament to God's sovereign plan to save people from every background.
John 12 33 Commentary
Jesus explains the peculiar method by which His victory over sin and death is achieved. His ascension on the cross is not a defeat but the very means through which He draws all people. This drawing power is universal, transcending geographical and ethnic boundaries. It is a salvific drawing, inviting all to experience reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice. His exaltation follows His humiliation on the cross. This paradox of death leading to life and glory is central to Christian theology. The invitation is open to all who will respond to His loving, sacrificial draw.