John 12:27
What does John 12:27 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:27 means
Jesus opens a window into His human soul: He is deeply troubled as the hour of suffering approaches. He voices the natural desire to be spared, yet immediately rejects it, affirming that this very hour is the purpose of His coming. Here is perfect obedience under real pressure—no stoic indifference, but faithful resolve. He neither denies the cost nor shirks the mission. This honesty comforts believers who face dread in obedience; the path of glory can be anguishing and yet right. Jesus models prayer that yields the self to the Father’s will for the sake of the larger, saving plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now is my soul troubled; and what am I to say? Father, keep me from this hour. No: for this purpose have I come to this hour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Now hath my soul been troubled, and what? shall I say--Father, save me from this hour? --but because of this I came to this hour;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause I came unto this hour.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But on account of this have I come to this hour.
Context
After calling His followers to costly service, Jesus shows that He Himself walks that path with inner turmoil and steadfast purpose. His next words will be a prayer for the Father’s name to be glorified, and the Father will answer audibly. The crowd’s mixed reactions to the heavenly voice will lead Jesus to clarify that the sign is for their benefit. He will then announce decisive realities about judgment, the defeat of the world’s ruler, and His drawing all to Himself through being lifted up.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:33
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
- Matthew 26:38
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: abide ye here, and watch with me.
- John 18:37
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
- Psalms 69:1
Save me, O God; For the waters are come in unto my soul.
- Mark 14:33
And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled.
- Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
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