John 12:26
What does John 12:26 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:26 means
Service to Jesus is defined by following Him. It is not a detached activity but a relational path—going where He goes, including the way of the cross. Jesus promises two great things to those who thus serve: companionship (“where I am, there also my servant will be”) and honor from the Father. The verse dignifies discipleship: humble service, patterned after Jesus’ obedience, is seen and valued by God. It suggests that proximity to Jesus, both in suffering and in glory, is the true reward. The Father Himself will vindicate those who choose this way over the world’s measures of success.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If any man is my servant, let him come after me; and where I am, there will my servant be. If any man becomes my servant, my Father will give him honour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if any one may minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am, there also my ministrant shall be; and if any one may minister to me--honour him will the Father.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If any man minister to me, let him follow me: and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If any one serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall be my servant. [And] if any one serve me, him shall the Father honour.
Context
This statement completes the application of the seed principle to Jesus’ followers. Immediately afterward, Jesus discloses His troubled soul before reaffirming His mission and praying for the Father’s glory. The Father’s voice from heaven answers, and Jesus explains that the voice is for the crowd’s sake. The discourse will then turn to the judgment of the world, the casting out of its prince, and the drawing power of the Son when lifted up.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.
- Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
- Jude 1:1
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
- Romans 14:18
For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.
- Luke 9:23
And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
- Psalms 17:15
As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with beholding thy form.
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