New International Version“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
New Living TranslationI will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.
English Standard VersionIf anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Berean Standard BibleAs for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
Berean Literal BibleAnd if anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.
King James BibleAnd if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
New King James VersionAnd if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
New American Standard BibleIf anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
NASB 1995“If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
NASB 1977“And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd if anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
Amplified BibleIf anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but to save the world.
Christian Standard BibleIf anyone hears my words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIf anyone hears My words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
American Standard VersionAnd if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Contemporary English VersionI am not the one who will judge those who refuse to obey my teachings. I came to save the people of this world, not to be their judge.
English Revised VersionAnd if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf anyone hears my words and doesn't follow them, I don't condemn them. I didn't come to condemn the world but to save the world.
Good News TranslationIf people hear my message and do not obey it, I will not judge them. I came, not to judge the world, but to save it.
International Standard VersionIf anyone hears my words and doesn't keep them, I don't condemn him, because I didn't come to condemn the world, but to save it.
NET BibleIf anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
New Heart English BibleAnd if anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd if any one hears my teachings and regards them not, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs for anyone who hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
World English BibleIf anyone listens to my sayings and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand if anyone may hear My sayings, and not believe, I do not judge him, for I did not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.
Berean Literal BibleAnd if anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.
Young's Literal Translation and if any one may hear my sayings, and not believe, I -- I do not judge him, for I came not that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd if any hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if any man hear my words, and keep them not, I do not judge him: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd if anyone has heard my words and not kept them, I do not judge him. For I did not come so that I may judge the world, but so that I may save the world.
New American BibleAnd if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.
New Revised Standard VersionI do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he who hears my words, and does not obey them, I will not judge him; for I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And whoever hears my words and does not keep them, I am not judging him, for I have come, not to judge the world, but to give life to the world.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd if any one hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Godbey New TestamentAnd if any one may hear my words, and not keep them, I do not judge him: for I came not that I may judge the world, but that I may save the world.
Haweis New Testament
And if any man, hearing my words, believeth not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Mace New Testament
but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world.
Weymouth New Testament
And if any one hears my teachings and regards them not, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
Worrell New Testament
And, if any one hears My words, and keeps them not, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Worsley New Testament
And if anyone hear my words and believe not, I do not condemn him: for I am notnow come to condemn the world, but to save the world.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Belief and Unbelief… 46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. 47As foranyone whohearsMywordsanddoes notkeep them,Ido notjudgehim.ForI have not cometojudgetheworld,buttosavetheworld.48There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.…
Cross References John 3:17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 5:24Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.
John 8:15-16You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. / But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone; I am with the Father who sent Me.
John 6:37Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away.
John 3:16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Luke 19:10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Matthew 18:11For the Son of Man came to save the lost.
1 Timothy 1:15This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
1 John 4:14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.
Romans 8:1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
John 1:17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 3:18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
John 17:3Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
Isaiah 53:11After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.
Treasury of Scripture And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. I judge. John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there isone that accuseth you,even Moses, in whom ye trust. John 8:15,16,26 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man… for. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Jump to Previous BelieveEarGivesHearHearsJudgeListensRegardsSalvationSaveSayingsTeachingsWordsWorldJump to Next BelieveEarGivesHearHearsJudgeListensRegardsSalvationSaveSayingsTeachingsWordsWorldJohn 12 1.Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.9.The people flock to see Lazarus.10.The chief priests consult to kill him.12.Jesus rides into Jerusalem.20.Greeks desire to see Jesus.23.He foretells his death.37.The people are generally blinded;42.yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;44.therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep themThis phrase highlights the responsibility of the listener. In the Jewish context, hearing was often synonymous with obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where the Shema calls for Israel to hear and obey. Jesus' words are not just to be heard but to be acted upon, similar to the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27. The emphasis is on the personal choice and accountability of each individual who encounters the teachings of Christ. I do not judge him
Here, Jesus distinguishes His mission during His earthly ministry. While judgment is a significant theme in Scripture, Jesus clarifies that His first coming was not for judgment but for salvation. This aligns withJohn 3:17, where it is stated that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world. The role of judgment is reserved for the future, as seen inRevelation 20:11-15, where Christ will judge the living and the dead. For I have not come to judge the world
This phrase underscores the purpose of Jesus' incarnation. The world, in this context, refers to humanity in its fallen state. Jesus' mission was redemptive, focusing on offering grace and truth (John 1:14). The cultural expectation of the Messiah at the time was often one of a political or military leader who would judge and overthrow oppressors, but Jesus' mission was spiritual and transformative. but to save the world
The ultimate goal of Jesus' coming is salvation, a theme central to the Gospel message. This reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies such asIsaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. Salvation is offered to all, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus as the Savior is a type of the Passover lamb, whose blood was a means of deliverance for the Israelites inExodus 12. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking about His mission and purpose on earth. He emphasizes His role as Savior rather than Judge during His first coming. 2. The WorldRefers to humanity at large, encompassing all people who hear Jesus' words. The term "world" (Greek: kosmos) often signifies the fallen state of humanity in need of salvation. 3. The AudienceThose who hear Jesus' words. This includes both His immediate listeners and all who encounter His teachings through Scripture. Teaching Points Jesus' Mission of SalvationJesus' primary mission during His earthly ministry was to offer salvation, not judgment. This reflects God's love and desire for reconciliation with humanity. Hearing vs. KeepingThere is a distinction between hearing Jesus' words and keeping them. While hearing is passive, keeping involves active obedience and transformation. The Role of JudgmentWhile Jesus did not come to judge during His first coming, Scripture teaches that judgment will occur in the future. Believers are called to respond to Jesus' words now, in light of this future reality. Grace and OpportunityJesus' approach offers grace and an opportunity for repentance. His words invite individuals to embrace salvation willingly. Living Out the GospelBelievers are encouraged to live out the teachings of Jesus, reflecting His love and grace to others, and sharing the message of salvation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 12:47?
2.How does John 12:47 emphasize Jesus' mission to save, not judge?
3.What does John 12:47 reveal about Jesus' approach to unbelievers?
4.How can John 12:47 guide our interactions with non-believers today?
5.How does John 12:47 connect with John 3:17 about Jesus' purpose?
6.How should John 12:47 influence our perspective on sharing the Gospel?
7.How does John 12:47 align with the concept of divine judgment?
8.Why does Jesus say He does not judge in John 12:47?
9.What is the historical context of John 12:47?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 12?
11.Did Jesus come to judge the world?
12.What is the fate of those unaware of Christ?
13.Did Jesus come to judge the world?
14.What defines being spiritually lost?What Does John 12:47 Mean As for anyone who hears My wordsJesus begins by acknowledging real, conscious exposure to His teaching. Hearing is not accidental background noise; it’s deliberate reception (John 10:27;Romans 10:17). Throughout the Gospels, the Lord urges listeners to “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:9), underscoring personal responsibility once His voice reaches the heart. • Hearing signals privilege—the living God is speaking. • Hearing also creates accountability—light received demands response (John 5:24).
and does not keep themTo “keep” is to guard, obey, and treasure (John 14:15;James 1:22). The phrase exposes a tragic possibility: someone can recognize Christ’s words yet refuse to yield. • Disobedience isn’t merely moral failure; it is rejecting the revealed will of God (Luke 6:46). • Lack of obedience reveals lack of love for the Speaker (John 14:24). • Even so, Jesus keeps addressing such hearers, showing patience (2 Peter 3:9).
I do not judge himAt this moment in His earthly ministry, Jesus withholds immediate condemnation. The same Lord who will one day sit as Judge (Acts 17:31) now extends a window of grace. CompareJohn 3:17-18 and 8:15: the Son came first as Redeemer, not executioner. • Grace precedes judgment. • Refusal today does not erase tomorrow’s accountability (John 12:48).
For I have not come to judge the worldHis first advent’s purpose was not punitive. The Father sent the Son in love (John 3:16). Judgment is postponed so salvation can be proclaimed (Luke 19:10). • The “world” encompasses every tribe and tongue—no partiality (1 John 2:2). • God’s kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).
but to save the worldHere is the heart of the mission: rescue. Salvation is offered freely and universally, yet received personally through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Christ’s sacrifice satisfies God’s justice, opening a way of peace (1 Timothy 1:15). • His offer remains until the day of judgment; after that, only the verdict stands (Hebrews 9:27-28). • Believers are now ambassadors, spreading this saving message (2 Corinthians 5:20).
summaryJohn 12:47 highlights a gracious interval between hearing and final judgment. Jesus, on His first visit to earth, set aside the gavel to extend the gift of salvation. Refusal to keep His words does not eliminate eventual judgment, but it does magnify the patience and love of God, who longs for every hearer to move from simple reception to wholehearted obedience and eternal life in Christ. (47) And if any man hear my words, and believe not.--The better reading is, . . . and keep them not. (Comp., for the words "hear" and "keep," Notes on Luke 11:28; Luke 18:21.) For the thought of the verse comp. in this Gospel, Notes on John 3:17et seq.; 5:24, 45 et seq.; 8:15 ei seq.; and the apparently opposite assertion in John 9:39. Verse 47. - If any one shall have heard my sayings, and have (guarded) keptthem not. Here our Lord passes from the effect of his earthly life, which is light, to that of the words ( ῤημάτα) by which the whole future of mankind will be affected, and one is reminded of the close of the sermon on the mount, where the condition of that man is portrayed who hears the λόγους of Christ and doeth them net, whose destiny will be determined by the natural course of things (see Matthew 7:26, 27). Keep (guard) them not (see Matthew 19:20). The "hearing" is clearly not identical with spiritual acceptance, but is restricted to the awful charge of responsibility that comes upon every man who simply hears, knows what Christ's words are, and then " keeps" them not so as to fulfill their intention. Christ says, I judge him not. I am not now pronouncing a sentence upon him; I am his Savior; but this is his condemnation, that he believes not, etc. ( John 3:17-19). Our Lord claimed, in the sermon on the mount, to be the Executor of a judgment, and in John 5:22-29 he declared that he would be as Son of man, the final Adjudicator of doom on the disobedient (cf. Matthew 25.), and in many places he made this thought even more solemn by speaking of himself on that occasion, not as the compassionate Savior, but the Administrator of an inviolable law, which cannot be swayed by immediate emotion, but will effectuate itself on eternal and unswerving principles. The Law accuses the old Law ( John 5:45) - but I judge him not; for I came ( η΅λθον) not to judge, but to save the world, referring to the Incarnation in its purport and supreme motive.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek As forἐάν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.anyone whoτίς(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.hearsἀκούσῃ(akousē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.wordsῥημάτων(rhēmatōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4487:From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.{does} notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.keep [them],φυλάξῃ(phylaxē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5442:Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.{do} notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.judgeκρίνω(krinō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2919:Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.him.αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.I have not comeἦλθον(ēlthon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.judgeκρίνω(krinō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2919:Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.world,κόσμον(kosmon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).butἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.saveσώσω(sōsō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4982:To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.world.κόσμον(kosmon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).
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NT Gospels: John 12:47 If anyone listens to my sayings (Jhn Jo Jn) |
