He said thisThis phrase refers to Jesus speaking to His disciples and the crowd. It is important to note that Jesus often used His words to reveal deeper spiritual truths. In the context of
John 12, Jesus is addressing the crowd after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a significant event that fulfills Old Testament prophecy (
Zechariah 9:9). His words are meant to prepare His followers for the events that are about to unfold.
to indicate
Jesus frequently used symbolic language and actions to convey His message. Here, He is providing a sign or a foreshadowing of what is to come. This is consistent with His teaching style, where He often used parables and metaphors to reveal truths about the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:34-35).
the kind of death
The phrase points to the specific nature of Jesus' impending crucifixion. Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for the most serious criminals and was considered a curse under Jewish law (Deuteronomy 21:23). This form of death was both a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 22:16) and a demonstration of the extent of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's sins.
He was going to die
Jesus' death was not an accident or a result of unforeseen circumstances; it was a deliberate act of obedience to the Father's will (Philippians 2:8). His death was central to God's redemptive plan, as foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 53:5-7). The crucifixion was the means by which Jesus would atone for sin, offering salvation to all who believe (John 3:16).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking about His impending crucifixion. He is the Son of God, the Messiah, who came to save humanity through His sacrificial death.
2.
The CrowdPresent during Jesus' discourse, the crowd is a mix of believers, skeptics, and those curious about His teachings. Their understanding of Jesus' words is limited, and they often misinterpret His message.
3.
JerusalemThe city where these events are taking place. It is significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location where Jesus will be crucified.
4.
The CrucifixionThe event Jesus is alluding to, where He will be lifted up on the cross, fulfilling His mission to atone for the sins of the world.
5.
The DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who are present and listening to His teachings. They are learning about the true nature of His mission and the cost of discipleship.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' MissionJesus' statement in
John 12:33 clarifies that His death was not an accident but a divine plan. Believers should recognize the intentionality and purpose behind the crucifixion.
The Significance of the CrossThe cross is central to Christian faith. It symbolizes not only Jesus' suffering but also His victory over sin and death. Christians are called to embrace the cross in their own lives, understanding its power and significance.
Prophetic FulfillmentJesus' death fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, affirming the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan. Believers can trust in God's promises and His control over history.
The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus involves understanding and accepting the cost of discipleship, which includes self-denial and bearing one's own cross. This passage challenges believers to consider their commitment to Christ.
Hope in SufferingJesus' willingness to face the cross provides hope and encouragement for believers facing trials. His example teaches that suffering can have a redemptive purpose and lead to greater glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 12:33?
2.How does John 12:33 clarify Jesus' prediction about His crucifixion?
3.What does John 12:33 reveal about Jesus' understanding of His mission?
4.How does John 12:33 connect to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
5.How can John 12:33 strengthen our faith in Jesus' sacrificial love?
6.In what ways does John 12:33 inspire us to share the Gospel today?
7.What does John 12:33 reveal about Jesus' understanding of His impending death?
8.How does John 12:33 connect to the prophecy of the Messiah's suffering?
9.Why is the method of Jesus' death significant in John 12:33?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 12?
11.What did Jesus mean by 'If I be lifted up'?
12.If God wants to protect His people, why does He allow the righteous to suffer at the hands of the wicked?
13.In what year did Jesus die?
14.Why does John 12:32-33 emphasize 'lifting up' as a means of drawing people, considering the historical context of crucifixion practices and Jewish expectations of a Messiah?What Does John 12:33 Mean
He said thisJesus is addressing the crowd immediately after declaring, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32).
• The phrase underscores that Jesus Himself is the source of this revelation—no speculation, but a direct statement (John 8:28).
• He frequently prepared His listeners for His coming passion (Matthew 16:21;John 10:17-18).
• Because Christ’s words are infallible, every detail He gives is certain (Matthew 24:35).
to indicateThe Spirit-inspired narrator clarifies why Jesus spoke: He was revealing, not hiding, the future.
• Prophecy serves to strengthen faith when fulfilled (John 13:19).
• Jesus’ transparency about His death demonstrates His control over the entire redemptive plan (Acts 2:23).
• The cross was not an accident of history but the predetermined will of God (Isaiah 53:10;Revelation 13:8).
the kind of deathJesus points specifically to crucifixion, a shameful Roman execution.
• “Lifted up” (John 12:32) mirrors the bronze serpent Moses raised (Numbers 21:8-9;John 3:14), picturing substitutionary salvation.
• Old Testament prophecy foresaw piercing hands and feet (Psalm 22:16) and being “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5).
• Crucifixion fulfilled the curse-bearing aspect of the law: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree” (Galatians 3:13).
He was going to dieThe statement removes doubt: death, not mere suffering, awaited Him.
• His voluntary surrender: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18).
• The necessity of death for atonement: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
• Certainty of triumph: death would be followed by resurrection (John 2:19-22;1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• Personal application: His death reconciles believers to God (Romans 5:8-11;2 Corinthians 5:21).
summaryJohn 12:33 assures us that Jesus knowingly foretold His crucifixion, proving divine foreknowledge and purposeful redemption. His words disclose the precise, prophetic, and substitutionary nature of His death—crucified, cursed for us, yet completely in control. Because He spoke it and fulfilled it, we can rest in the certainty of every promise He makes.
(33)
By what death he should die.--Better,
by what manner of death . . . (Comp.
John 18:32.) The words are the Apostle's interpretation of the saying of our Lord. He remembers it as he has recorded it twice before (
John 3:14;
John 8:28), but he adds here words ("from the earth") which supply another thought, though the two thoughts are not inconsistent. The words bear the double sense, and looking back upon the fact of the Crucifixion, he sees in that a lifting up which was part of the great moral victory over the world, and in the very cross of shame he sees the throne of glory.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
He saidἔλεγεν(elegen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.thisτοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.to indicateσημαίνων(sēmainōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4591:To signify, indicate, give a sign, make known. From sema; to indicate.the kind ofποίῳ(poiō)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4169:Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.deathθανάτῳ(thanatō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288:Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.He was goingἤμελλεν(ēmellen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3195:A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.to die.ἀποθνήσκειν(apothnēskein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 599:To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.
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NT Gospels: John 12:33 But he said this signifying by what (Jhn Jo Jn) 
