John 12:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He said this to indicate what kind of death he would die.

Berean Standard Bible:

He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.

American Standard Version:

But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

^{G1161} This^{G5124} he said^{G3004}, signifying^{G4591} what^{G4169} death^{G2288} he should^{G3195} die^{G599}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for John 12:33

John 12:33 is part of a larger discourse that takes place during the final week of Jesus' life, often referred to as Holy Week. This verse falls within the context of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, just days before his crucifixion. In the verses leading up to John 12:33, Jesus speaks of his impending glorification, which is a veiled reference to his death, resurrection, and ascension.

In this particular verse, "This he said, signifying what death he should die," Jesus is foretelling the manner in which he will be executed. The "he said" refers to Jesus' own words, indicating that he was fully aware of and in control of his destiny. The phrase "signifying what death he should die" points to the specific nature of Jesus' death by crucifixion, a form of execution reserved for the most severe crimes and typically used by the Romans for slaves and non-Romans.

The significance of this verse is multifaceted. Theologically, it underscores the theme of Jesus' willing sacrifice and obedience to the Father's will, as well as the idea of substitutionary atonement—that Jesus died as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Historically, it reflects the political tensions of the time, with Jesus' execution being a collusion between Jewish leaders and the Roman authority, represented by Pontius Pilate. This verse also serves as a fulfillment of prophecy, as Jesus' death by crucifixion was foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures, such as in Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53.

In summary, John 12:33 encapsulates the purposeful and prophetic nature of Jesus' mission, foreshadowing his cruel death by crucifixion, which is central to Christian understanding of salvation and the redemptive narrative of Jesus Christ. It reflects both the historical reality of Roman execution methods and the deep theological significance of Jesus' willingness to embrace this fate for the sake of humanity's redemption.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G5124
   There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τοῦτο
   Transliteration: toûto
   Pronunciation: too'-to
   Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
   
3. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4591
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σημαίνω
   Transliteration: sēmaínō
   Pronunciation: say-mah'-ee-no
   Description: from (a mark; of uncertain derivation); to indicate:--signify.
   
5. Strong's Number: G4169
   There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ποῖος
   Transliteration: poîos
   Pronunciation: poy'-os
   Description: from the base of ποῦ and οἷος; individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one:--what (manner of), which.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2288
   There are 106 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θάνατος
   Transliteration: thánatos
   Pronunciation: than'-at-os
   Description: from θνήσκω; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):--X deadly, (be…) death.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3195
   There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέλλω
   Transliteration: méllō
   Pronunciation: mel'-lo
   Description: a strengthened form of μέλω (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):--about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.
   
8. Strong's Number: G599
   There are 99 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀποθνήσκω
   Transliteration: apothnḗskō
   Pronunciation: ap-oth-nace'-ko
   Description: from ἀπό and θνήσκω; to die off (literally or figuratively):--be dead, death, die, lie a-dying, be slain (X with).