John 12:31

KJV

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G3568} is {G2076} the judgment {G2920} of this {G5127} world {G2889}: now {G3568} shall {G1544} the prince {G758} of this {G5127} world {G2889} be cast {G1544} out {G1854}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now is the time for this world to be judged, now the ruler of this world will be expelled.

Berean Standard Bible

Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.

American Standard Version

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:31 is a pivotal declaration by Jesus, uttered in the shadow of His impending crucifixion, revealing the cosmic significance of His sacrificial act. It proclaims that His death is the decisive moment of divine judgment upon the fallen world system and its spiritual ruler, signaling the definitive expulsion and dethroning of Satan from his position of influence over humanity. This verse underscores the cross not as a defeat, but as the ultimate victory of God's righteousness and the inauguration of Christ's triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound statement by Jesus is situated within a crucial discourse following the arrival of certain Greeks who expressed a desire to see Him (see [John 12:20-22](/john/12-20-22 "John 12:20-22 - Greeks Seek Jesus")). Their presence symbolizes the beginning of the Gentile inclusion into God's plan of salvation, prompting Jesus to speak of His glorification through death. He illustrates this with the parable of a grain of wheat that must die to bear much fruit (see [John 12:23-24](/john/12-23-24 "John 12:23-24 - The Grain of Wheat Analogy")), emphasizing that His death is necessary for life and fruitfulness. Immediately prior to John 12:31, Jesus expresses His profound inner turmoil concerning His impending suffering, yet reaffirms His resolute purpose to glorify God's name (see [John 12:27-28](/john/12-27-28 "John 12:27-28 - Jesus' Troubled Soul and Prayer")). A voice from heaven then confirms God's glorification, which the crowd interprets in various ways. It is in direct response to this divine affirmation and the anticipation of His "lifting up" (referring to the crucifixion, as explained in [John 12:32-33](/john/12-32-33 "John 12:32-33 - Jesus Predicts His Lifting Up")), that Jesus declares the "judgment of this world" and the expulsion of its prince.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "this world" (Greek: *kosmos*) in John's Gospel often carries a negative connotation, referring to humanity organized in rebellion against God, under the sway of spiritual darkness. This worldview was prevalent in Jewish apocalyptic thought, which often depicted a cosmic struggle between God and evil forces. The "prince of this world" (Greek: *archōn tou kosmou toutou*) is a title Jesus uses three times in John's Gospel ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of This World"), [John 14:30](/john/14-30 "John 14:30 - Prince of This World Has No Claim"), [John 16:11](/john/16-11 "John 16:11 - Prince of This World Judged")), explicitly identifying Satan as the spiritual power dominating the unredeemed world system. The Jewish people of Jesus' time anticipated a Messiah who would overthrow earthly oppressors (like Rome) and establish God's kingdom. However, Jesus reveals a deeper, spiritual conflict, where His victory would be achieved not through political revolution, but through a cosmic confrontation on the cross, culminating in the defeat of the true enemy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several central Johannine themes. Firstly, it highlights **The Cross as Judgment**, revealing that Jesus' crucifixion, seemingly an act of human injustice and weakness, is in fact God's decisive verdict against the sin-laden world and its spiritual ruler. This judgment exposes the world's rebellion and God's perfect righteousness. Secondly, it proclaims **Satan's Definitive Defeat and Expulsion**. The "prince of this world" is declared to be "cast out," signifying a decisive and irreversible blow to Satan's power and dominion over humanity. The cross disarms the spiritual forces of evil (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), marking the beginning of his ultimate downfall and eventual binding (foreshadowed in [Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1-3 "Revelation 20:1-3 - Satan Bound for a Thousand Years")). Thirdly, it underscores **Christ's Sovereign Victory**. Far from being a helpless victim, Jesus asserts His authority and triumph. His death is the means by which He draws all people to Himself (as stated in [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")), demonstrating His supreme authority and securing salvation for those who believe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Greek, _árchōn'_):** From G758, this word denotes "a first (in rank or power)." In this context, it refers to Satan, emphasizing his position as a chief ruler or magistrate over the fallen world system. It highlights his significant, albeit temporary, influence and authority over the values, systems, and spiritual atmosphere of the unredeemed *kósmos*.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** From G2889, this term signifies "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))." In John's Gospel, *kósmos* often denotes the human race alienated from God, characterized by its opposition to divine truth and light, and under the dominion of the "prince" mentioned in the verse.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From G1544, meaning "to eject (literally or figuratively)." Combined with G1854 (éxō, "out"), this phrase implies a forceful, definitive expulsion or removal from a position of authority or influence. It signifies a decisive act of God through Christ, stripping the "prince of this world" of his power and dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now is the judgment of this world:"** This clause declares a present reality, initiated by Jesus' impending crucifixion. The word "now" (G3568, *nŷn*) emphasizes the immediate, decisive, and climactic nature of this event. The "judgment" (G2920, *krísis*) is not merely a future condemnation but a current, active process of separation and verdict. The cross serves as the ultimate revelation of the world's sin and rebellion against God, simultaneously exposing its spiritual bankruptcy and God's righteous standard. It is the moment when the world's true nature is laid bare and its condemnation is sealed.
* **"now shall the prince of this world be cast out."** This parallel clause reiterates the immediate and decisive nature of the event. The "prince of this world" (Satan) is not merely defeated, but "cast out" (G1544, *ekbállō*), signifying a forceful and complete expulsion from his position of power and influence over humanity and the world system. This expulsion is a direct consequence of Christ's atoning work on the cross, which disarms and triumphs over the spiritual powers of darkness, breaking their hold on those who come to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John 12:31 employs several potent literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of "Now is..." and "now shall...", which emphasizes the immediate and concurrent nature of the world's judgment and the prince's expulsion. This creates a rhythmic and emphatic declaration. **Symbolism** is richly employed, with "this world" representing humanity in rebellion against God and its systems, and "the prince of this world" serving as a symbolic title for Satan, the spiritual power behind this rebellion. The act of being "cast out" is also symbolic, representing a decisive and irreversible defeat of spiritual dominion, rather than a physical removal. There is a profound element of **Dramatic Irony** at play: what appears to be Jesus' moment of weakness and defeat (the crucifixion) is paradoxically declared as the very moment of divine judgment and ultimate victory over evil. This subverts human expectations and highlights the paradoxical nature of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:31 stands as a profound theological statement, asserting that the cross of Christ is the epicenter of cosmic conflict and divine triumph. It reveals that God's judgment is not merely a future event but a present reality inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial work. This judgment exposes the world's sin and rebellion, while simultaneously disarming the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive. The defeat of the "prince of this world" signifies the breaking of Satan's dominion over those who believe in Christ, liberating them from the power of darkness and transferring them into the kingdom of God's beloved Son. This verse thus underscores the decisive nature of Christ's atoning death as the means by which humanity is redeemed and Satan's power is decisively overthrown.

* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")
* [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ Destroys the Power of Death")
* [Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1-3 "Satan Bound for a Thousand Years")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:31 offers profound assurance and a call to spiritual vigilance for believers. In a world that often seems dominated by evil, injustice, and spiritual darkness, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that the decisive battle has already been won. The "prince of this world," though still active, is a defeated foe whose ultimate expulsion is guaranteed by Christ's victory on the cross. This truth liberates us from the fear of spiritual oppression and empowers us to live in the freedom of Christ's triumph. It calls us to align our lives not with the values and systems of "this world" that are under judgment, but with the kingdom of God, which has triumphed over darkness. Our mission, therefore, is to live as citizens of a victorious kingdom, boldly proclaiming the good news of Christ's finished work and standing firm against the defeated enemy, knowing that his power is broken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the cross as a moment of "judgment" change your perspective on Jesus' death?**
* **What practical implications does the knowledge of Satan's "casting out" have for your daily spiritual life and battles?**
* **In what ways might you be unknowingly aligning with the "world's" values rather than God's kingdom, and how can you shift your allegiance?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "prince of this world" mentioned in John 12:31?**

Answer: The "prince of this world" is a title Jesus uses to refer to Satan, the devil. This is explicitly clear from other passages in John's Gospel, such as [John 14:30](/john/14-30 "Prince of This World Has No Claim") and [John 16:11](/john/16-11 "Prince of This World Judged"), where Jesus speaks of Satan's lack of claim over Him and his judgment. This title highlights Satan's significant, though temporary and usurped, influence over the fallen world system and humanity alienated from God. He is depicted as the spiritual power behind the world's rebellion against divine truth and righteousness.

**What does "judgment of this world" mean in this context?**

Answer: The "judgment of this world" refers to a decisive verdict and separation initiated by Christ's crucifixion. It is not merely a future condemnation but a present, active process. The cross exposes the world's sin, its rejection of God's light, and its alignment with the "prince of this world." It is the moment when the world's true spiritual state is revealed and its condemnation is sealed. Simultaneously, it is the moment when God's righteousness and justice are perfectly displayed, offering salvation to those who believe. This judgment is therefore both condemnatory for the world system and redemptive for humanity.

**How is the "prince of this world" "cast out" by Jesus' death?**

Answer: The "casting out" of the prince of this world signifies a decisive and definitive overthrow of Satan's power and dominion, achieved through Christ's death and resurrection. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities (as stated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), triumphing over them. His death was the ultimate sacrifice that paid the penalty for sin, thereby breaking the power of sin and death, which Satan wielded (as seen in [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). While Satan is not yet completely removed from the world, his authority and legal claim over humanity are broken for those who are in Christ. This "casting out" is a spiritual and authoritative dethroning, marking the beginning of his ultimate and complete expulsion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:31 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, particularly His crucifixion and resurrection. The "judgment of this world" and the "casting out of the prince of this world" are not abstract concepts but direct consequences of Christ's atoning sacrifice. On the cross, Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, absorbed the judgment due to humanity's sin, thereby disarming the spiritual forces of evil and breaking Satan's hold over those who believe (as powerfully articulated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His death, far from being a defeat, was the ultimate act of divine power, through which He conquered sin, death, and the devil. By His resurrection, Christ demonstrated His complete victory, rising as the triumphant Lord over all creation, including the spiritual realm. Thus, Jesus, the Son of God, appeared precisely "to destroy the works of the devil" (as declared in [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")), and John 12:31 is His prophetic declaration of this decisive victory, achieved through His willing submission to the cross, thereby inaugurating His reign and drawing all people to Himself (as He states in [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "Jesus Draws All People")).

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

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 5:19

[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

John 14:30

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

Revelation 20:2

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Revelation 20:3

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.