John 12:30
What does John 12:30 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:30 means
Jesus explains that the heavenly voice was not for His reassurance but for the crowd’s sake—for their understanding and accountability. God publicly validates the Son’s mission so that those hearing might recognize the significance of what is unfolding. This highlights divine patience: even now, signs are given to aid belief. It also underscores responsibility: with greater light comes a call to respond. Jesus thus frames the voice as a witness for them before He declares the decisive judgment that His impending death will bring upon the world and its ruler.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said in answer, This voice came not for me but for you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered and said, `Not because of me hath this voice come, but because of you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered and said: This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered and said, Not on my account has this voice come, but on yours.
Context
Having interpreted the heavenly voice’s purpose, Jesus proceeds to announce the present judgment of the world and the casting out of its prince. He then speaks of being lifted up and drawing all to Himself, with John clarifying that this refers to crucifixion. The crowd’s theological question about the Messiah’s permanence will prompt Jesus to redirect them to walk in the light while they have it, warning of darkness and urging belief.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:15
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
- John 5:34
But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.
- John 11:42
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me.
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