John 12:22
What does John 12:22 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:22 means
Philip seeks counsel from Andrew, and together they bring the request to Jesus. Their teamwork reflects caution and care in navigating a new situation—Gentiles seeking access to the Jewish Messiah. The detail underscores the disciples’ role as facilitators who bring people to Jesus, even when they are unsure how He will respond. It also highlights the community aspect of discerning ministry moments. Their relay becomes the hinge for Jesus to unveil the meaning of the hour, showing that the path to include the nations runs through His imminent glorification by way of the cross.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: Andrew cometh, and Philip, and they tell Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: Andrew cometh, and Philip, and they tell Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Philip went and gave word of it to Andrew; and Andrew went with Philip to Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Philip cometh and telleth Andrew, and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Philip cometh and telleth Andrew. Again Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Philip comes and tells Andrew, [and again] Andrew comes and Philip, and they tell Jesus.
Context
Having received the Greeks’ request, Philip and Andrew carry it to Jesus. John does not record a direct audience; instead, he shifts to Jesus’ response, which declares that the long-awaited hour has arrived. This leads immediately into the parable of the grain of wheat and the call to die to self, then to promises for those who serve and follow Him. The Gentiles’ approach thus triggers a teaching moment about the necessity and fruitfulness of Jesus’ death.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:40
One of the two that heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
- Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:
- Mark 10:13
And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them.
- Luke 9:49
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
- John 6:8
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
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