John 12:33 - But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.
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What does "John 12:33" mean?
John 12:33, "But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die," is a commentary by the Gospel writer John on something Jesus said earlier in the chapter (John 12:20-32). To understand it, you need to consider the context:
Jesus' Statement: Jesus says, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself." (John 12:32)
"Lifted Up": This phrase is ambiguous. It can refer to Jesus being raised up in glory (his ascension) or, more immediately, to being lifted up on a cross.
John's Explanation: The verse (John 12:33) clarifies that John understands Jesus' "lifted up" statement to be specifically about his crucifixion. It's a hint that Jesus' death wouldn't be a natural one, but a specific kind of execution.
Therefore, John 12:33 means that Jesus' words about being "lifted up" were a veiled prophecy of his crucifixion, and that John, the Gospel writer, wanted to make sure the reader understood that Jesus was foretelling his death by being lifted up on a cross.
Why is this important?
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The early Christians saw Jesus' death and resurrection as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. This verse helps solidify the idea that even Jesus himself foretold his own death.
Jesus' Control: It shows Jesus was aware of his impending death and accepted it willingly. It wasn't a surprise to him, nor was he powerless to stop it.
Symbolic Significance of the Cross: The crucifixion was a particularly brutal and shameful form of execution. It also had a specific meaning in the Roman world. The cross becoming a symbol of salvation and a means of drawing "all people" to Jesus highlights the transformative power of his sacrifice.
John 12:33 - But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.
What does "John 12:33" mean?
John 12:33, "But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die," is a commentary by the Gospel writer John on something Jesus said earlier in the chapter (John 12:20-32). To understand it, you need to consider the context:
Jesus' Statement: Jesus says, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself." (John 12:32)
"Lifted Up": This phrase is ambiguous. It can refer to Jesus being raised up in glory (his ascension) or, more immediately, to being lifted up on a cross.
John's Explanation: The verse (John 12:33) clarifies that John understands Jesus' "lifted up" statement to be specifically about his crucifixion. It's a hint that Jesus' death wouldn't be a natural one, but a specific kind of execution.
Therefore, John 12:33 means that Jesus' words about being "lifted up" were a veiled prophecy of his crucifixion, and that John, the Gospel writer, wanted to make sure the reader understood that Jesus was foretelling his death by being lifted up on a cross.
Why is this important?
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The early Christians saw Jesus' death and resurrection as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. This verse helps solidify the idea that even Jesus himself foretold his own death.
Jesus' Control: It shows Jesus was aware of his impending death and accepted it willingly. It wasn't a surprise to him, nor was he powerless to stop it.
Symbolic Significance of the Cross: The crucifixion was a particularly brutal and shameful form of execution. It also had a specific meaning in the Roman world. The cross becoming a symbol of salvation and a means of drawing "all people" to Jesus highlights the transformative power of his sacrifice.