John 12:12

KJV

¶ On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

KJV (with Strong's)

On the next day {G1887} much {G4183} people {G3793} that were come {G2064} to {G1519} the feast {G1859}, when they heard {G191} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} was coming {G2064} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414},

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day, the large crowd that had come for the festival heard that Yeshua was on his way into Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:12 opens the dramatic narrative of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, setting the stage for the pivotal events of Passion Week. This verse describes the immense crowd of pilgrims, already gathered for the Passover feast, who, upon hearing of Jesus' approach, prepared to greet Him, signaling a moment of profound public recognition and anticipation for the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus") and the subsequent anointing of Jesus by Mary at Bethany, detailed in [John 12:1-8](/john/12-1-8 "John 12:1-8 - Mary Anoints Jesus"). The miraculous resurrection of Lazarus had created a significant stir, drawing many to Bethany not only to see Jesus but also to witness Lazarus himself ([John 12:9](/john/12-9 "John 12:9 - Crowds Come to See Jesus and Lazarus")). The phrase "On the next day" directly links this public demonstration of faith and curiosity to the preceding events, indicating a rapid escalation of public attention surrounding Jesus as He drew closer to Jerusalem, the epicenter of Jewish religious and political life. This verse initiates the final, climactic week of Jesus' earthly ministry, leading directly into His crucifixion and resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of [John 12:12](/john/12-12 "John 12:12 - The Triumphal Entry Begins") is Jerusalem during the Passover feast, one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Pentecost and Tabernacles) that required all Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem. This meant the city was exceptionally crowded with pilgrims from across the Roman Empire and beyond, creating a massive, diverse audience. The Passover itself commemorated Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt, a powerful symbol of deliverance that often fueled messianic and nationalistic aspirations among the Jewish people. Against this backdrop of fervent religious observance and longing for freedom, news of Jesus' miracles, particularly the resurrection of Lazarus, would have spread like wildfire, amplifying the anticipation for His arrival. The crowds' subsequent actions, as described in the following verses, reflect a deep-seated hope that Jesus might be the long-awaited King who would deliver Israel from Roman oppression.
* **Key Themes:** [John 12:12](/john/12-12 "John 12:12 - The Triumphal Entry Begins") introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout the Passion narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Public Anticipation and Recognition**, demonstrating the widespread awareness and fervent expectation surrounding Jesus. The "much people" were not accidental bystanders but pilgrims actively seeking out Jesus due to His growing fame and miraculous deeds. Secondly, the **Passover Setting** is profoundly significant; this festival, commemorating Israel's deliverance, fostered a climate ripe for messianic hope. The crowds' actions and shouts of "Hosanna!" reflect their belief that Jesus might be the long-awaited deliverer, the King of Israel. Lastly, though not explicitly stated in this verse, Jesus' deliberate approach to Jerusalem and the crowds' reaction begin to fulfill ancient **Messianic Prophecy**, particularly those concerning the Messiah's entry into the city, such as [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Entry"). This event sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as recounted in parallel narratives like [Matthew 21:1-11](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), [Mark 11:1-11](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry"), and [Luke 19:28-44](/luke/19-28-44 "Luke 19:28-44 - Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Greek, _epaúrion_):** From `ἐπί` (epi, "upon") and `αὔριον` (aurion, "tomorrow"), this term specifically denotes "occurring on the succeeding day" or "the morrow." Its use here precisely dates the event, placing it directly after the dinner at Bethany and the anointing of Jesus, emphasizing the immediate temporal progression of events leading to the Triumphal Entry.
* **People (Greek, _óchlos_):** While often translated as "people" or "multitude," _óchlos_ carries the connotation of a "throng" or "rabble," suggesting a large, often unorganized, and emotionally swayed crowd. This term underscores the sheer size and popular, almost spontaneous, nature of the gathering, highlighting the widespread public attention Jesus commanded.
* **Feast (Greek, _heortḗ_):** This word refers to a "festival" or "holy day." In this context, it unequivocally points to the Passover feast, which was the primary reason for the vast concourse of people in Jerusalem. The term emphasizes the profound religious and nationalistic significance of the timing, as Passover was a celebration of liberation and often stirred messianic fervor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the next day":** This phrase serves as a crucial temporal marker, directly connecting the Triumphal Entry to the preceding events of Jesus' anointing at Bethany and the widespread news of Lazarus' resurrection. It signifies the immediate progression of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem and the rapid unfolding of His final week.
* **"much people that were come to the feast":** This clause highlights the extraordinary circumstances of Jesus' arrival. Jerusalem was already teeming with an unusually large number of pilgrims for the Passover, a major annual festival. The phrase "much people" (Greek: _ho ochlos polys_) emphasizes the immense size and density of the crowd, indicating that Jesus was entering a city already at its peak population, ensuring maximum public visibility for His arrival.
* **"when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem":** This final clause reveals the catalyst for the crowd's action. The news of Jesus' approach, likely amplified by reports of His recent miracles, particularly the raising of Lazarus, spread quickly among the assembled pilgrims. Their active response—going out to meet Him—demonstrates their pre-existing awareness, curiosity, and anticipation regarding Jesus, setting the stage for the dramatic and symbolic entry that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the gathering of "much people" and their anticipation of Jesus' arrival subtly hints at the momentous events of the Passion Week that are about to unfold, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection. The **Setting** of the Passover feast in Jerusalem is not merely a backdrop but a crucial element, imbuing the narrative with rich historical and theological connotations of liberation, sacrifice, and messianic expectation. The description of "much people" also utilizes a form of **Hyperbole** or **Amplification**, emphasizing the overwhelming scale of public interest and the widespread nature of Jesus' fame, underscoring the universal significance of His impending actions. This collective anticipation also creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the crowds eagerly await a political king, while Jesus is deliberately entering Jerusalem to fulfill His role as the Suffering Servant and Lamb of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 12:12](/john/12-12 "John 12:12 - The Triumphal Entry Begins") is deeply significant as it marks the public culmination of Jesus' ministry, where He is openly acknowledged by a vast multitude as a figure of messianic importance. The divine timing, precisely during the Passover feast, underscores God's sovereign plan for redemption, aligning Jesus' entry with the very festival that commemorated Israel's deliverance. This popular acclaim, while seemingly a triumph, also subtly foreshadows the fickle nature of the crowd and the true, sacrificial path Jesus was about to embrace. It highlights the tension between the people's expectation of a political liberator and Jesus' ultimate mission as the spiritual Redeemer, setting the stage for the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy through His death and resurrection.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Entry"): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
* [Matthew 21:1-11](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"): Provides a parallel account of the Triumphal Entry, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the crowd's acclamation.
* [Mark 11:1-11](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry"): Offers another synoptic parallel, focusing on Jesus' deliberate actions and the crowd's response.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 12:12](/john/12-12 "John 12:12 - The Triumphal Entry Begins") invites us to reflect on our own expectations of Christ and how we respond to His presence in the world. Just as the crowds were drawn by His fame and miracles, we too are often drawn to Jesus for what He can do for us. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial admiration or a desire for earthly benefits, and instead to embrace His true identity and purpose as revealed in the Gospels. It reminds us that even amidst great public acclaim, Jesus remained steadfastly focused on His ultimate mission: to fulfill God's plan for salvation through His sacrificial death. Our genuine recognition of Christ should lead not merely to shouts of praise, but to a humble submission to His lordship and a willingness to follow Him, even when His path leads to places we might not expect or prefer. It calls us to consider whether our faith is rooted in a desire for personal gain or a profound understanding of His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary expectations of Jesus? Do they align with His true identity and mission as revealed in Scripture?**
* **How do I respond when Christ's path deviates from my personal desires or societal expectations?**
* **In what ways am I actively seeking out Jesus, and how does my pursuit of Him impact my daily life and priorities?**
* **How can I move beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment of Jesus to a deeper, more committed discipleship?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "On the next day" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "On the next day" (Greek: _epaúrion_) is a crucial temporal marker that precisely dates the Triumphal Entry. It immediately follows the account of Jesus' anointing at Bethany and the widespread news of Lazarus' resurrection, as detailed in [John 12:1-11](/john/12-1-11 "John 12:1-11 - Mary Anoints Jesus and Lazarus' Fame"). This direct chronological link emphasizes the rapid escalation of public attention surrounding Jesus and highlights the immediate progression of events leading into His final week in Jerusalem, underscoring the divine timing of His entry.

**Why were "much people" gathered, and what was "the feast"?**

Answer: The "much people" refers to the vast multitude of Jewish pilgrims who had traveled to Jerusalem for the annual Passover feast. "The feast" is specifically the Passover, one of the most important Jewish festivals, commemorating Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. This festival required all Jewish males to come to Jerusalem, making the city exceptionally crowded. The large gathering meant that news of Jesus' miracles, particularly the raising of Lazarus ([John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus")), would have spread quickly, amplifying the anticipation for His arrival and creating a massive audience for His Triumphal Entry.

**What was the general expectation of the crowd regarding Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem?**

Answer: The general expectation of the crowd was heavily influenced by the Passover's themes of liberation and the long-held messianic hopes of the Jewish people. Many believed the Messiah would be a political and military leader who would deliver Israel from Roman oppression and restore the Davidic kingdom. Therefore, when they heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, especially after His miraculous deeds, they likely anticipated Him arriving as a conquering king, ready to establish His earthly reign. This expectation is evident in their shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel!" in the subsequent verses ([John 12:13](/john/12-13 "John 12:13 - The Crowd's Acclamation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 12:12](/john/12-12 "John 12:12 - The Triumphal Entry Begins"), while describing a moment of popular acclaim, profoundly points to Jesus' Christ-centered fulfillment as the promised Messiah and King. His deliberate entry into Jerusalem, amidst the throngs of Passover pilgrims, was not merely a spontaneous event but a divinely orchestrated act, fulfilling prophecies such as [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Entry") concerning the humble yet kingly arrival of Zion's King. While the crowds acclaimed Him as an earthly deliverer, Jesus' true kingship was not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). His entry was the prelude to His ultimate act of salvation: His sacrificial death as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), a fulfillment of the very Passover sacrifice the feast commemorated. The shouts of "Hosanna" (meaning "Save now!") were ironically prophetic, as Jesus was indeed coming to save, not from Rome, but from sin and death, culminating in His resurrection ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")) and ascension to His heavenly throne ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension")). Thus, [John 12:12](/john/12-12 "John 12:12 - The Triumphal Entry Begins") serves as a powerful Christological statement, setting the stage for the revelation of Jesus as the true King who conquers through sacrifice, establishing an eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 11:7

And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

Mark 11:10

Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Luke 19:35

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

Luke 19:38

Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Matthew 21:4

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

John 11:55

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.