John 12:28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.

Father {G3962}, glorify {G1392} thy {G4675} name {G3686}. Then {G3767} came there {G2064} a voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, saying, I have {G1392} both {G2532} glorified {G1392} it, and {G2532} will glorify {G1392} it again {G3825}.

‘Father, glorify your name!’” At this a bat-kol came out of heaven, “I have glorified it before, and I will glorify it again!”

Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

Father, glorify thy name. There came therefore a voice out of heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Commentary

John 12:28 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, just days before His crucifixion. It captures a profound prayer from Jesus and an immediate, audible response from God the Father, affirming the divine purpose behind Christ's mission.

Context

This verse occurs during the final week of Jesus' earthly life, as He teaches in Jerusalem before the Passover. Having just spoken about His impending death as a necessary act of glorification—likening Himself to a grain of wheat falling into the ground to produce much fruit—Jesus expresses a moment of deep spiritual struggle, acknowledging His "troubled soul" (John 12:27). Despite this inner turmoil, His ultimate resolve is to prioritize the Father's glory above His own suffering, leading to the prayer recorded here.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Submission and Prayer for God's Glory: Jesus' prayer, "Father, glorify thy name," reveals His complete dedication to the Father's will and honor. Even in the face of immense suffering, His primary concern is not personal comfort or escape, but that God's character and power be fully revealed through His life and impending sacrifice.
  • Divine Affirmation and Glorification: The audible "voice from heaven" is a direct, emphatic response from God the Father. It serves as a powerful affirmation that God has already been glorified through Jesus' earthly ministry, miracles, and teachings, and will be glorified "again" through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. This voice confirms the divine approval and purpose behind Jesus' mission.
  • The Purpose of Christ's Ministry: This exchange underscores that every aspect of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection was orchestrated to bring ultimate glory to God. His suffering was not a defeat but the means by which God's redemptive power and love would be most fully displayed.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glorify" is doxazō (δοξάζω), which means to praise, honor, magnify, or cause to have a high reputation. When God "glorifies" His name, it means He reveals His inherent majesty, power, and character in a way that is evident and acknowledged. The "voice from heaven" (phōnē ek ouranou) signifies a direct, unmistakable communication from God Himself, emphasizing the divine authority and truth of the message. This is the third such heavenly voice recorded in the Gospels, echoing the voice at Jesus' baptism and the Transfiguration, each affirming Jesus' identity and mission.

Practical Application

John 12:28 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritizing God's Glory: Like Jesus, our ultimate aim in life, especially in times of trial, should be to glorify God's name. This means seeking His will and honor above our own desires or comfort.
  • Trusting in God's Affirmation: Even when our path seems difficult or involves suffering, this verse reminds us that God is at work, affirming His purposes. He has glorified His name through Christ's past work and will continue to do so through faithful obedience, even in challenging circumstances.
  • Understanding Suffering's Purpose: The glorification promised in this verse points to Jesus' impending suffering and death, which would lead to His resurrection and ultimate exaltation. This teaches us that God can use our trials not only for our sanctification but also to display His power and glory to the world, ultimately leading to Christ's exaltation.
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Cross-References

  • John 13:31 (9 votes)

    ¶ Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

  • John 13:32 (9 votes)

    If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

  • Matthew 26:42 (8 votes)

    He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

  • Revelation 5:9 (7 votes)

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Revelation 5:14 (7 votes)

    And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

  • John 11:40 (6 votes)

    Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

  • John 11:44 (6 votes)

    And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.