Devine Scripture

John 12:21

What does John 12:21 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:21 means

These Greeks approach Philip, perhaps because of his Greek-sounding name or accessible demeanor, and respectfully ask to see Jesus. Their request is simple but profound: they want an encounter, not just information. This desire captures the heart of genuine seeking—moving from hearsay to personal knowledge. Philip’s origin from Bethsaida of Galilee may indicate a region accustomed to Gentile contact, lending plausibility to their choice. The verse shows how Jesus’ followers can serve as bridges for those outside the covenant community who are drawn to the Savior.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

They came to Philip, who was of Beth-saida in Galilee, and made a request, saying, Sir, we have a desire to see Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

these then came near to Philip, who <FI>is<Fi> from Bethsaida of Galilee, and were asking him, saying, `Sir, we wish to see Jesus;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

These therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying: Sir, we would see Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and they asked him saying, Sir, we desire to see Jesus.

Context

The Greeks’ intention now becomes explicit through their words to Philip. Philip will involve Andrew, and together they will bring the matter to Jesus. Rather than narrate a private meeting, John records Jesus’ public declaration that His hour has come and then His teaching on the grain of wheat, self-denial, and service, thereby interpreting the significance of Gentile interest in terms of the cross and the Father’s glory.

v.20Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast:

v.21This passage

v.22Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: Andrew cometh, and Philip, and they tell Jesus.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 11:21

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

  • John 14:8

    Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

  • Matthew 12:19

    He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets.

  • John 6:40

    For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

  • John 1:36

    and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!

  • Romans 15:8

    For I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given unto the fathers,

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