John 12:33
What does John 12:33 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:33 means
John steps in to ensure readers grasp Jesus’ meaning: His words about being lifted up refer to the specific manner of death He would die—crucifixion. This editorial note removes ambiguity and anchors the preceding promise in the reality of the cross. The path to glory and the drawing of all peoples do not come by mere teaching or by political triumph but through Jesus’ being raised on a Roman instrument of execution. The note invites readers to interpret all that follows in light of the cross as the central, intended act of God’s saving plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This he said, signifying what death he should die.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(This he said, pointing to the sort of death he would have.)
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And this he said signifying by what death he was about to die;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752(Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.)
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But this he said signifying by what death he was about to die.
Context
This brief explanation follows Jesus’ statement about being lifted up and precedes the crowd’s puzzled response. They will question how the lifted-up Son of man fits their expectation of a Messiah who remains forever and will ask who this Son of man is. Jesus will answer indirectly, urging them to respond to the light while it is among them instead of speculating, and then He will withdraw from public view.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 18:32
that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
- John 21:19
Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
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