John 12:33

KJV

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} This {G5124} he said {G3004}, signifying {G4591} what {G4169} death {G2288} he should {G3195} die {G599}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said this to indicate what kind of death he would die.

Berean Standard Bible

He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.

American Standard Version

But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:33 serves as a pivotal interpretive commentary by the Apostle John, directly clarifying the profound significance of Jesus' preceding statement about being "lifted up." This verse unequivocally informs the reader that Jesus' seemingly ambiguous phrase was a direct prophecy concerning the specific, brutal method of His impending death: crucifixion, thereby underscoring the divine foreknowledge and intentionality behind the cross as the means of ultimate salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' profound declaration in [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus' Prophecy of Being Lifted Up"): "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." The evangelist John, recognizing the potential ambiguity of the phrase "lifted up" (which could imply exaltation to glory or physical elevation), steps in as an inspired interpreter to remove all doubt for his readers. This clarification is crucial because Jesus had previously used the "lifted up" imagery in [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Jesus Lifted Up Like Moses' Serpent") when speaking to Nicodemus, further establishing a consistent prophetic theme within the Gospel. The broader discourse in [John 12](/john/12 "John 12 - Jesus' Final Public Ministry") is prompted by the arrival of certain Greeks seeking to see Jesus ([John 12:20](/john/12-20 "John 12:20 - Greeks Seek Jesus")), which triggers Jesus' reflection on the necessity of death for life, famously articulated through the analogy of a grain of wheat dying to bear much fruit ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat Analogy")). John's interpretive note in [John 12:33](/john/12-33 "John 12:33 - John's Clarification of Jesus' Death") thus anchors Jesus' words firmly in the reality of His sacrificial death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' statement and John's subsequent clarification occur in Jerusalem during the final days of Jesus' public ministry, specifically leading up to the Passover feast. At this time, crucifixion was a horrific form of execution employed by the Roman Empire, reserved primarily for slaves, rebels, and the lowest classes. It was designed to be a public spectacle of shame, agony, and humiliation, serving as a deterrent to rebellion. For Jewish audiences, the idea of a Messiah dying, especially by such a cursed method (cf. [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Cursed is Anyone Hung on a Tree")), was deeply counter-intuitive to their expectations of a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. John's explicit clarification in [John 12:33](/john/12-33 "John 12:33 - John's Clarification of Jesus' Death") therefore directly confronts these cultural expectations, emphasizing that the Messiah's path to glory involved suffering and a specific, ignominious death.
* **Key Themes:** [John 12:33](/john/12-33 "John 12:33 - John's Clarification of Jesus' Death") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Jesus' death was not an unforeseen tragedy but a pre-ordained event, part of God's redemptive plan. Secondly, it reinforces the paradoxical theme of **Glorification Through Suffering**, where the cross, an instrument of shame, becomes the means of Christ's ultimate exaltation and victory over sin and death. This paradox is central to John's theology, where Jesus consistently speaks of His death as His "hour" of glory (e.g., [John 13:31](/john/13-31 "John 13:31 - Jesus Glorified Through Death")). Lastly, the verse, in conjunction with [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus' Prophecy of Being Lifted Up"), underscores the theme of **Universal Atonement**, as Jesus' being "lifted up" through crucifixion is the very act that enables Him to "draw all men" to Himself, pointing to the inclusive and global scope of His redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **signifying (Greek, _sēmaínō'_):** From G4591, meaning "to indicate," "to make known," or "to point to." John's use of this word is crucial, as it signals that he is providing an inspired, authoritative interpretation of Jesus' words. It clarifies that Jesus' statement was not merely a vague metaphor but a direct, prophetic indicator of the manner of His death, leaving no room for misinterpretation by the reader.
* **what (Greek, _poîos'_):** From G4169, an individualizing interrogative, meaning "what sort of" or "which one." While translated "what," it carries a nuance of "what kind of" or "what manner of" death. This emphasizes that the prophecy was not just about *that* Jesus would die, but *how* He would die – a specific, identifiable type of death.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** From G2288, meaning "death" (literally or figuratively). In this context, it refers to physical death, specifically the cessation of life on the cross. The word itself carries the weight of finality and separation, yet in the context of Jesus, it is paradoxically linked to life and victory.
* **die (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** From G599, meaning "to die off" or "to be slain." This verb reiterates the reality and certainty of the physical death Jesus would undergo. Coupled with "death," it creates a strong emphasis on the actual event of His demise, leaving no doubt about the literal nature of the prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This he said":** This opening phrase functions as an authorial interjection, signaling that John is about to provide an explanatory comment on Jesus' preceding statement in [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus' Prophecy of Being Lifted Up"). It highlights John's role as an inspired interpreter, guiding the reader to the correct understanding of Jesus' words.
* **"signifying":** The Greek term _sēmaínō_ (G4591) is key here. It means "to indicate," "to make known," or "to point to." John uses this word to explicitly state that Jesus' phrase "lifted up" was not merely a poetic expression or a general reference to His exaltation, but a direct, intentional pointer to the specific nature of His death. It removes any ambiguity that might arise from the double meaning of "lifted up."
* **"what death":** This phrase emphasizes the *manner* or *type* of death Jesus would experience. It is not just that He would die, but that His death would be of a particular kind, one that was publicly known and understood in that historical context. The "what" (Greek _poîos_, G4169) points to the specific, gruesome nature of crucifixion.
* **"he should die":** This clause confirms the certainty and necessity of Jesus' death. The verb "die" (Greek _apothnḗskō_, G599) underscores the physical reality of His demise. The auxiliary "should" (Greek _méllō_, G3195) implies divine purpose and inevitability, indicating that this death was not accidental but part of a pre-ordained plan.

#### Literary Devices
John's commentary in [John 12:33](/john/12-33 "John 12:33 - John's Clarification of Jesus' Death") masterfully employs several literary devices. Primarily, it functions as an **Authorial Interpretation**, where the evangelist steps in to clarify a potentially ambiguous statement made by Jesus. This direct explanation ensures the reader grasps the full prophetic weight of Jesus' words, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the method of His death. This also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, as John explicitly reveals the future event of the crucifixion, building suspense and theological anticipation for the Passion narrative that is soon to unfold. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Irony** present, as the very act of being "lifted up" on a cross, an instrument of shame and public humiliation, is simultaneously presented by Jesus (and clarified by John) as the means by which He will "draw all men unto me" ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus' Prophecy of Being Lifted Up")), transforming an act of ultimate degradation into an act of ultimate glorification and universal salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:33 firmly establishes the crucifixion as the divinely appointed means of Jesus' death, a central tenet of Christian theology. It underscores that the cross was not a tragic accident or a defeat, but the very heart of God's redemptive plan, foreknown and prophesied. This understanding transforms the cross from a symbol of shame into the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice, where the sin of the world is atoned for through the sacrifice of the Son. The "lifting up" on the cross, therefore, becomes the pivotal event that both glorifies Christ and enables Him to draw humanity to Himself, fulfilling the universal scope of His mission.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounds for Our Transgressions")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death on a Cross")
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Enduring the Cross for Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:33 calls us to reflect deeply on the intentionality and divine purpose behind the crucifixion of Jesus. It reminds us that the cross was not a Plan B, but the very heart of God's eternal plan for reconciliation and redemption. For believers, this means understanding that our salvation is not based on human effort or merit, but on the sovereign, sacrificial act of Christ on the cross. This truth should humble us, deepen our gratitude, and inspire us to live lives that honor the immense cost of our redemption. The "lifting up" of Christ on the cross continues to be the magnetic force that draws people from every nation and background to Himself, offering forgiveness, healing, and new life. We are invited to gaze upon the cross not as a symbol of defeat, but as the ultimate revelation of God's profound love and power, a love that willingly endured the most excruciating pain to secure our freedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John's explicit clarification in John 12:33 deepen your understanding of the intentionality of Christ's death?**
* **In what ways does the paradox of glorification through suffering, as seen in the cross, challenge your own understanding of strength and weakness?**
* **How does the "drawing all men" aspect of Jesus' being "lifted up" influence your perspective on evangelism and the universal reach of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why did John feel it necessary to clarify Jesus' statement about being "lifted up"?**

Answer: John's clarification in [John 12:33](/john/12-33 "John 12:33 - John's Clarification of Jesus' Death") was crucial because the phrase "lifted up" (Greek: _hypsōthō_) carries a deliberate ambiguity in Jesus' original statement in [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus' Prophecy of Being Lifted Up"). It could be understood in two ways: either as a physical elevation (like being raised on a cross) or as a spiritual exaltation (like being glorified or enthroned). Given the Jewish expectation of a conquering Messiah, many might have interpreted "lifted up" solely in terms of political or spiritual triumph. John, as an inspired evangelist, removes this ambiguity for his readers, ensuring they understand that Jesus was specifically prophesying the *manner* of His death – crucifixion – which was the means by which He would achieve both His physical elevation and His ultimate glorification, thereby drawing all people to Himself. He had used this phrase similarly in [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Jesus Lifted Up Like Moses' Serpent") to Nicodemus, further establishing its prophetic meaning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:33, by explicitly identifying the "lifting up" with crucifixion, points directly to the heart of Christ-centered fulfillment. The death Jesus "should die" was not just any death, but the specific, atoning death on the cross, which stands as the singular event through which humanity's sin is dealt with and reconciliation with God is made possible. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' willing submission to the cross, where He, as the Lamb of God, bore the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His crucifixion, though a brutal historical event, is revealed as the divine act of love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")) that disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and secured eternal life for all who believe. The "lifting up" on the cross, therefore, is not merely a historical detail but the very means by which Christ achieved His victory over death and sin, paving the way for His resurrection and ascension, and establishing Himself as the magnetic center who draws all people to salvation and eternal life in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died, Was Buried, Rose Again")).

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 18:32

That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

John 21:19

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.