John 12:17
What does John 12:17 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:17 means
Those who had been present when Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb continue to testify. Eyewitness testimony is central in John’s Gospel, and here it functions evangelistically: the miracle’s truth is carried by the mouths of those who saw it. Their witness authenticates Jesus’ identity and draws others to Him. This verse underscores the power of credible testimony—changed circumstances and bold speech flowing from direct encounter with Jesus’ life-giving authority. It also shows that Jesus’ fame is not self-generated hype but the spread of truth from people personally impacted by His work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now the people who were with him when his voice came to Lazarus in the place of the dead, and gave him life again, had been talking about it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The multitude, therefore, who are with him, were testifying that he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and did raise him out of the dead;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The multitude therefore gave testimony, which was with him, when he called Lazarus out of the grave and raised him from the dead.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The crowd therefore that was with him bore witness because he had called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from among [the] dead.
Context
John returns from his explanatory aside to the crowd dynamics. The Lazarus witnesses keep speaking, and their report amplifies interest. The next verse will note that this is why an even larger multitude goes out to meet Jesus. This surge of public attention then triggers the Pharisees’ frustrated assessment that their efforts are failing and that the world is going after Him, setting the stage for the arrival of seeking Greeks.
v.16These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
v.17This passage
v.18For this cause also the multitude went and met him, for that they heard that he had done this sign.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:35
He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.
- John 11:31
The Jews then who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going unto the tomb to weep there.
- John 1:34
And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.
- John 21:24
This is the disciple that beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his witness is true.
- John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
- John 8:13
The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest witness of thyself; thy witness is not true.
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