John 12:31
What does John 12:31 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:31 means
With the cross imminent, Jesus declares a now of judgment upon the world—the system in rebellion against God. Simultaneously, He announces the casting out of the world’s prince, a reference to Satan. The crucifixion will look like defeat but is in fact the decisive victory where the ruler of darkness is dethroned. Judgment and liberation meet at the cross: the world is exposed and condemned in its rejection of the Son, and the tyrant is disarmed. This is a cosmic statement: what happens at Golgotha changes who holds sway over humanity’s future.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now is this world to be judged: now will the ruler of this world be sent out.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862now is a judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast forth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now is [the] judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out:
Context
After noting the voice was for the crowd, Jesus states the sweeping implications of His hour. Next, He will say that when He is lifted up, He will draw all to Himself—a statement John will interpret as indicating His manner of death. The crowd will object, questioning how a lifted-up Son of man fits their expectation of a Messiah who abides forever. Jesus will pivot from their categories to a call to walk in the light while it is among them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:22
For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son;
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.
- Isaiah 49:24
Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives be delivered?
- John 14:30
I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;
- Ephesians 2:1
And youdid he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins,
- 1 John 3:8
he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 12
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 12.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.