John 12:30

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036}, This {G3778} voice {G5456} came {G1096} not {G3756} because of {G1223} me {G1691}, but {G235} for {G1223} your sakes {G5209}{G1223}.

Yeshua answered, “This bat-kol did not come for my sake but for yours.

In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours.

Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes.

Commentary

In John 12:30, Jesus provides a crucial clarification regarding a miraculous event that just transpired. Immediately after He prayed, "Father, glorify thy name," a voice from heaven responded, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again" (John 12:28). The crowd heard it, some perceiving it as thunder, others as an angel speaking. Jesus, addressing the confusion and wonder, explains the purpose of this divine manifestation.

Context

This event occurs during Jesus' final public ministry in Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. He had entered Jerusalem triumphantly (John 12:13), and Greeks had sought to see Him (John 12:21), signaling the expansion of His message beyond the Jewish people. Jesus then spoke of His impending "hour" of glorification through death (John 12:23) and the necessity of His sacrifice. The heavenly voice serves as a powerful, public affirmation from God the Father, validating Jesus' divine authority and mission at this critical juncture.

Key Themes

  • Divine Validation: The verse highlights God the Father's direct intervention to confirm Jesus' identity and mission. The voice was not for Jesus' benefit, as He already knew His divine origin and purpose, but for the sake of the people who needed to believe.
  • Purpose of Signs: This miracle, like others in Jesus' ministry, served as a sign to authenticate His claims and draw people to faith. It was a clear, audible testimony from heaven, intended to remove doubt and encourage belief in Him as the Messiah.
  • God's Glory Revealed: The voice itself was a response to Jesus' prayer for God's name to be glorified. The Father's affirmation glorified His own name by revealing His Son's true nature and the divine plan of salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "voice" here is phonē (φωνή), which can mean an audible sound, a voice, or a report. In this context, it unequivocally refers to a distinct, articulate sound from heaven, understood by some as a direct speech and by others as thunder. Jesus' clarification removes any ambiguity, stating it was a purposeful message.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jesus' explanation in John 12:30 reminds us that God often reveals Himself and His will not for His own sake, but for ours. Divine interventions, whether miraculous signs or the clear teachings of Scripture, are given to help us understand His character, His plan, and our place within it. This verse encourages us to pay attention to God's revelations, recognizing that they are intended to lead us to faith and deeper understanding of His love and redemptive purpose. Just as the crowd needed this sign, we too are given ample evidence of God's truth, inviting us to respond in belief.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 11:42 (6 votes)

    And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said [it], that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

  • John 11:15 (2 votes)

    And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

  • John 5:34 (1 votes)

    But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 (1 votes)

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.