John 12:23

Jesus Predicts His Death · John 12:20–36
Read John 12

Translations

Modern
But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Traditional
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Literal
And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man shall be glorified.
Latin
Jesus autem respondit eis, dicens: Venit hora, ut clarificetur Filius hominis.

Original

Greek
English
But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Notes

Jesus often said that the hour had not yet come (2:4; 7:30; 8:20), but now it had. The arrival of the Greeks marked the beginning of the most important moment in the ministry of Jesus. This was the time of his glorification.

This happened when the saving work of Jesus on the cross was completed. He rose from the dead, gave the Holy Spirit, and returned to his place of glory in heaven (19:30; 20:1–31; 20:22; 17:5, 11).

The connection with the Greeks who had come to Jerusalem was important (12:20). The public ministry of Jesus among the Jews was coming to an end. His mission was not limited to one nation. Through his death and resurrection, he would belong to the whole world.

  • In this part of John’s Gospel, two stories move forward at the same time.

    First, more and more people begin to praise Jesus. Their excitement reaches a high point when crowds welcome him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy (12:12–13).

    Second, the religious authorities become more determined to arrest Jesus and put him to death. As public support grows, their opposition grows as well.

  • John's Gospel describes three events that happened only days before Passover (12:1–11, 12–19, 20–36). Then he explains why most of the people refused to believe and describes the final public message spoken by Jesus (12:37–50).

Theme notes and profiles

The Son of Man

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Exaltation of Christ Feasts and Festivals of Israel John, Gospel of Resurrection

Topics

Greece: Inhabitants of Desire to See Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Resurrection of Jesus, the Christ: Revelations by: His Death and Resurrection The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Calling of the Gentiles