John 12:16

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.

{G1161} These things {G5023} understood {G1097} not {G3756} his {G846} disciples {G3101} at the first {G4412}: but {G235} when {G3753} Jesus {G2424} was glorified {G1392}, then {G5119} remembered they {G3415} that {G3754} these things {G5023} were {G2258} written {G1125} of {G1909} him {G846}, and {G2532} that they had done {G4160} these things {G5023} unto him {G846}.

His talmidim did not understand this at first; but after Yeshua had been glorified, then they remembered that the Tanakh said this about him, and that they had done this for him.

At first His disciples did not understand these things, but after Jesus was glorified they remembered what had been done to Him, and they realized that these very things had also been written about Him.

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

Commentary

John 12:16 offers profound insight into the spiritual journey of Jesus' disciples, revealing their initial lack of comprehension regarding the significance of His actions, particularly the triumphal entry. This understanding only dawned upon them after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, emphasizing the illuminating power of divine revelation and the fulfillment of God's prophetic plan.

Context

This verse directly follows the account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He rode on a young donkey (an act fulfilling ancient prophecy) and was hailed by crowds waving palm branches and shouting praises. At that moment, the disciples, caught up in the excitement, did not fully grasp the profound theological and prophetic significance of these events. Their expectations were likely focused on an immediate, earthly kingdom, rather than the spiritual salvation Jesus came to accomplish through suffering and death.

Key Themes

  • Delayed Understanding: The disciples, despite their close proximity to Jesus and firsthand experience of His miracles and teachings, did not comprehend the divine plan or the prophetic implications of His actions until after the pivotal events of His death, resurrection, and ascension. This highlights a common human tendency to misunderstand spiritual truths until they are revealed through experience or divine illumination.
  • Post-Resurrection Illumination: The phrase "when Jesus was glorified" points to His resurrection and ascension as the critical turning point. It was only after Christ's victory over death that the Holy Spirit was fully given, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures and the true nature of His mission. This echoes the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, whose "eyes were opened" (Luke 24:31) to understand the prophecies concerning the Messiah.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The disciples' retrospective realization that "these things were written of him" underscores the precision with which Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Specifically, His riding on a donkey was a direct fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, which spoke of Zion's King coming in humility. This divine foreknowledge and execution attest to the reliability of God's Word.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The fact that the disciples retrospectively understood that they "had done these things unto him" (participated in the triumphal entry) highlights that even their seemingly spontaneous actions were part of God's larger, unfolding plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "glorified" is doxasthē (δοξασθῇ), from doxazo. In John's Gospel, "glorified" often refers to Jesus' exaltation through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. It's not just about honor, but about the manifestation of His divine nature and the completion of His redemptive work. This moment of glorification was essential for the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit, who would then guide them into all truth, as promised by Jesus in John 16:13.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Timing: Like the disciples, we may not always understand God's plan in the moment. This verse encourages patience and trust that understanding often comes in hindsight, as God reveals His purposes.
  • The Importance of the Holy Spirit: True spiritual insight and comprehension of Scripture are not merely intellectual exercises but require the illumination of the Holy Spirit, especially after Christ's work on the cross. We can pray for the Spirit to open our understanding, just as Jesus did for His disciples (Luke 24:45).
  • Retrospective Faith: Looking back at our lives, we can often see God's hand at work in ways we didn't perceive at the time. This builds faith and encourages us to recognize His sovereignty in all circumstances.
  • The Reliability of Prophecy: The fulfillment of ancient prophecies in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection serves as a powerful testament to the truth and reliability of the Bible, reinforcing its divine inspiration.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 2:22 (11 votes)

    When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

  • John 14:26 (8 votes)

    But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

  • John 7:39 (6 votes)

    (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

  • Acts 2:36 (4 votes)

    Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

  • John 12:23 (4 votes)

    And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

  • Acts 2:33 (3 votes)

    Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

  • Luke 9:45 (3 votes)

    But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.