He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
He that rejecteth {G114} me {G1691}, and {G2532} receiveth {G2983} not {G3361} my {G3450} words {G4487}, hath {G2192} one that judgeth {G2919} him {G846}: the word {G3056} that {G3739} I have spoken {G2980}, the same {G1565} shall judge {G2919} him {G846} in {G1722} the last {G2078} day {G2250}.
Those who reject me and don’t accept what I say have a judge — the word which I have spoken will judge them on the Last Day.
There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.
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Luke 10:16
He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. -
Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: -
Hebrews 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. -
Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. -
2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: -
John 11:24
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. -
John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 12:48 (KJV)
‹He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.›
Context
This verse concludes Jesus' public ministry section in the Gospel of John. Chapters 1-12 detail His signs, teachings, and increasing opposition. In John 12, Jesus has entered Jerusalem, been anointed, spoken about His impending death, and addressed the crowds. This final statement serves as a summary and warning, emphasizing the critical importance of how people respond to Him and His message before He withdraws from public view and focuses on His disciples.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "word" here is logos (λόγος), which in John's Gospel often carries deep significance, referring not just to individual words but to the message, teaching, or even the divine nature of Christ Himself (see John 1:1). The term "judgeth" comes from krinō (κρίνω), meaning to separate, distinguish, decide, or pass judgment. The verse implies that Jesus' teaching itself acts as the standard of separation.
Commentary
Jesus makes a stark declaration about the consequences of rejecting Him and His words. He explains that those who do so already have something that will judge them – namely, the very words He has spoken. This judgment is not something external that must be found; it resides within the message itself that has been presented to them. The ultimate reckoning will occur "in the last day," a common biblical term for the time of final judgment.
This means that Jesus' teachings are not merely suggestions or opinions; they are divine truth that reveals God's will and standard. By rejecting Jesus and His message, individuals are not simply disagreeing; they are placing themselves outside of the means of salvation He offers (see John 3:18) and under the condemnation that His word inherently brings to those who do not receive it. His words are the light (see John 3:19) that exposes darkness, and rejection of the light leads to judgment.
Reflection
John 12:48 is a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with hearing or reading the words of Jesus. It underscores that our response to Him and His message has eternal consequences. It challenges us to consider whether we are truly receiving His words and allowing them to shape our lives, or if we are rejecting them, knowingly or unknowingly. The verse calls for serious consideration of Jesus' authority and the future accountability we all face based on our response to Him.