John 12:20

KJV

¶ And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there were {G2258} certain {G5100} Greeks {G1672} among {G1537} them that came up {G305} to {G2443} worship {G4352} at {G1722} the feast {G1859}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greek-speaking Jews.

Berean Standard Bible

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast.

American Standard Version

Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:20 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, just days before His crucifixion, by introducing the presence of "certain Greeks" among the Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem. This seemingly incidental detail profoundly signals the imminent expansion of the Gospel message beyond its Jewish origins to encompass all nations, foreshadowing the universal scope of salvation achieved through Christ's redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, detailed in [John 12:12-19](/john/12-12-19 "John 12:12-19 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"). The city is abuzz with the excitement of the Passover feast and the recent, widely publicized raising of Lazarus from the dead, which had significantly amplified Jesus' fame and drawn large crowds. The chief priests and Pharisees are actively plotting to kill Jesus and Lazarus, recognizing the growing popular support for Jesus. Amidst this volatile atmosphere, the arrival of these Greeks, who then seek to "see Jesus" ([John 12:21](/john/12-21 "John 12:21 - The Greeks Seek Jesus")), serves as a direct catalyst for Jesus' profound discourse on His impending "hour" of glorification through death and resurrection, as described in [John 12:23-36](/john/12-23-36 "John 12:23-36 - Jesus Speaks of His Glorification and Death"). Their presence is not merely an observation but a narrative turning point.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover feast was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals, drawing Jews and proselytes from across the Roman Empire and beyond to Jerusalem. The term "Greeks" (Gk. _Hellenes_) in this context typically refers not to ethnic Greeks from Greece, but to Hellenized Gentiles—non-Jews who had adopted Greek language and culture, which was prevalent throughout the Roman world. These individuals were likely either full proselytes to Judaism or "God-fearers," Gentiles who revered the God of Israel, attended synagogue, and observed some Jewish customs without undergoing full conversion. Their presence at the feast indicates a genuine spiritual seeking and an attraction to the monotheistic worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, making them spiritually fertile ground for the message of the Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** The introduction of these Greeks prominently highlights the **Universal Reach of the Gospel**, a theme central to John's Gospel, which emphasizes Jesus as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Their appearance foreshadows the breaking down of the barrier between Jew and Gentile, signaling that salvation through Christ is not exclusive to Israel but extends to all nations, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles"). Furthermore, their desire to "see Jesus" initiates a profound discourse from Jesus concerning **His "Hour" of Glorification**. This "hour" in John's Gospel consistently refers to the climactic moment of His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, which would ultimately lead to Him [drawing all people to Himself](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself"). The arrival of Gentiles at this precise moment underscores that His sacrificial death would indeed be for the entire world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Greeks (Greek, _Héllēn'_):** This term (G1672) signifies a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas, but by extension, a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew. In the New Testament, particularly in contexts like John 12:20, it often denotes Gentiles, or non-Jews, who were culturally Hellenized. Their presence at a Jewish feast underscores their spiritual curiosity and openness to the God of Israel, distinguishing them from pagan idolaters and making them receptive to the Messiah.
* **came up (Greek, _anabaínō'_):** Derived from G305, meaning "to go up (literally or figuratively)," this verb indicates their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It implies a deliberate journey with a specific purpose, highlighting their active participation in the religious life associated with the feast. This ascent to Jerusalem was a common practice for pilgrims attending the major festivals, signifying their devotion and anticipation.
* **worship (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** From G4352, meaning "to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)." This word describes their fundamental purpose for being at the feast. It denotes an act of profound reverence and adoration, emphasizing their spiritual seeking and their desire to honor God within the context of the Jewish religious system, even as Gentiles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And there were certain Greeks"**: This opening phrase introduces a new, significant element into the narrative. The "certain Greeks" (Gk. _tìs Héllēn_) are not just any individuals but represent a specific group whose presence is noteworthy. Their identity as "Greeks" immediately broadens the scope of the narrative beyond the Jewish audience, hinting at a universal appeal.
* **"among them that came up"**: This clause places the Greeks within the larger throng of pilgrims who had ascended to Jerusalem. The phrase "among them" suggests they were integrated, at least physically, with the Jewish worshippers, indicating their participation in the Passover pilgrimage. The act of "coming up" (Gk. _anabaínō_) emphasizes the intentionality of their journey to the holy city for the feast.
* **"to worship at the feast:"**: This final clause clarifies the primary motivation for their journey. Their purpose was to "worship" (Gk. _proskynéō_), indicating a genuine spiritual desire to participate in the religious observances of the Passover "feast" (Gk. _heortḗ_). Their presence at this significant Jewish festival, with the intent to worship, highlights their spiritual openness and their connection, however partial, to the God of Israel, setting the stage for their encounter with Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
John 12:20 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. The "Greeks" themselves are symbolic; they represent the broader Gentile world, those outside the covenant people of Israel, who are now beginning to seek Jesus. Their arrival at the Passover feast, a central event in Jewish religious life, is highly symbolic of the breaking down of the traditional boundaries between Jew and Gentile. This event directly **Foreshadows** the global mission of the church and the universal reach of the Gospel, which will extend "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The verse also employs **Inclusivity** as a thematic device; the mere presence of non-Jews seeking to worship at a Jewish festival underscores God's expansive plan of salvation, which has always encompassed all humanity, not just one nation. Their appearance prompts Jesus' discourse on His "hour," linking their seeking directly to the universal implications of His impending death and glorification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The arrival of the Greeks in John 12:20 is a profound theological statement, signifying the imminent fulfillment of God's ancient promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed. It marks a turning point where the focus of God's redemptive plan visibly expands beyond the confines of Israel, signaling that the light of the Messiah is for the Gentiles as well. This event directly prompts Jesus to declare that "the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" ([John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - Jesus' Hour Has Come")), linking His impending death and resurrection to the drawing of all people to Himself. It underscores the universal scope of the atonement and the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where ethnicity and background are no longer barriers to fellowship with God.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles"): "He says: 'It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have preserved. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'"
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality"): "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'"
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"): "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:20 serves as a powerful reminder that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is inherently expansive and inclusive, reaching beyond cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries. The presence of these Greeks, seeking to "see Jesus," challenges us to examine our own perspectives on who is "worthy" or "expected" to encounter Christ. It calls us to cultivate a welcoming and outward-focused posture in our faith communities, actively seeking to engage and embrace those from diverse backgrounds who are spiritually curious or seeking truth. This verse encourages us to recognize that God is always at work, drawing people from every corner of the earth to Himself, and that we are called to participate in this global mission. It prompts us to consider how our lives and ministries reflect the universal invitation of the Gospel, ensuring that no one feels excluded from the opportunity to encounter the Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our current spiritual communities inadvertently create barriers for "Greeks" (those from different backgrounds) who seek to "see Jesus"?**
* **How does the universal scope of the Gospel, highlighted by these Greeks, challenge our personal evangelism and mission efforts?**
* **What practical steps can we take to be more welcoming and inclusive to those who are spiritually seeking, regardless of their background?**

### FAQ

**What does the term "Greeks" mean in this context, and why is their presence significant?**

Answer: In the context of John 12:20, "Greeks" (Gk. _Héllēn_) most likely refers not to ethnic Greeks from Greece, but to Hellenized Gentiles, meaning non-Jewish people who had adopted Greek language and culture. These individuals were likely "God-fearers" or proselytes—Gentiles who revered the God of Israel and participated in Jewish worship, though perhaps not as full converts. Their presence at the Passover feast is highly significant because it signals the breaking down of the traditional barrier between Jew and Gentile, foreshadowing the universal reach of the Gospel. It indicates that people from outside the Jewish covenant were already being drawn to the God of Israel and, by extension, to Jesus, even before His crucifixion and the formal commissioning of the disciples to the Gentiles (as seen in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius")). Their desire to "worship at the feast" and later to "see Jesus" ([John 12:21](/john/12-21 "John 12:21 - The Greeks Seek Jesus")) prompts Jesus to speak about His "hour" of glorification through death, which would ultimately draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The arrival of the Greeks in John 12:20 is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, marking a pivotal moment where the trajectory of salvation history visibly shifts towards its universal consummation in Jesus. Their desire to "see Jesus" directly precipitates Jesus' declaration that "the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" ([John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - Jesus' Hour Has Come")). This "hour" is the climactic moment of His sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension, which is the very means by which He would draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself")). Just as a grain of wheat must fall into the earth and die to bear much fruit ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat Analogy")), so too must Christ undergo His suffering and death to bring forth a harvest of believers from every nation. The presence of these Gentiles at the Passover feast, a celebration of Israel's deliverance, powerfully foreshadows the new covenant in Christ's blood, which offers spiritual deliverance to all who believe, regardless of their ethnic origin. This scene anticipates the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")) and the outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh")), demonstrating that Christ's redemptive work was always intended to reconcile "both Jew and Gentile in one body through the cross" ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")), thereby fulfilling God's ancient promise to bless all the families of the earth through Him ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")).

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

John 7:35

Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

Isaiah 11:10

¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Acts 17:4

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

1 Kings 8:41

Moreover concerning a stranger, that [is] not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;

1 Kings 8:43

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

Mark 7:26

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

Acts 8:27

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,