12:19 12:19

John 12:20

12:21 12:21

Bible Versions

¶ And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
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}:
Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greek-speaking Jews.
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast.
Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast:

John 12:20 provides a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, just days before His crucifixion, highlighting the broadening scope of the Gospel beyond the traditional Jewish audience.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as Palm Sunday (John 12:12-19). The city was abuzz with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Passover feast. Amidst the Jewish pilgrims and local inhabitants, the presence of "certain Greeks" is noted. These were likely not ethnic Greeks from Greece but rather Hellenized Gentiles (non-Jews) who had come to Jerusalem for the feast. They were likely either proselytes (full converts to Judaism) or "God-fearers" – Gentiles who revered the God of Israel and observed some Jewish customs without full conversion. Their desire to "worship at the feast" indicates a genuine spiritual seeking and a connection, however partial, to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Key Themes

  • Universal Reach of the Gospel: The arrival of these Greeks is highly significant, foreshadowing the universal reach of the Gospel message. It signals that salvation through Jesus Christ would not be limited to the Jewish people but would extend to all nations, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 49:6).
  • Seeking Jesus: These Greeks represent a broader Gentile world beginning to seek out Jesus, even before His resurrection and the official commissioning of the disciples to the Gentiles. Their inquiry, "Sir, we would see Jesus" (John 12:21), prompts a profound discourse from Jesus about His impending death and glorification.
  • The "Hour" of Glorification: Their appearance directly prompts Jesus to declare that His "hour" has come for glorification. This "hour" in John's Gospel consistently refers to the time of His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, which would ultimately lead to Him drawing all people to Himself (John 12:32). The arrival of Gentiles signifies that His sacrificial death would indeed be for the whole world.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Greeks" (Greek: Hellēnes) here is crucial. While it can refer to people from Greece, in the New Testament context, especially in Acts and John, it often denotes Gentiles or non-Jews who were culturally Hellenized, meaning they adopted Greek customs and language. Their presence at the Passover feast suggests they were not pagan idolaters but individuals who had embraced some form of monotheism and were attracted to Jewish worship, making them spiritually open to the Messiah.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that the message of Jesus Christ is for everyone, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or religious background. It encourages believers to have an inclusive mindset, welcoming all who genuinely seek to "see Jesus" and understand His truth. The coming of the Greeks serves as a timeless reminder that God's plan of salvation encompasses all humanity, and His kingdom is open to all who believe.

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.

  • 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,
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