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Juan 12
La Biblia de las Américas
Juan 12
La Biblia de las Américas
María unge a Jesús
12 (A)Entonces Jesús, seis días antes de la Pascua(B), vino a Betania donde estaba Lázaro[a], al que Jesús había resucitado de entre los muertos(C). 2 Y[b] le hicieron una cena allí, y Marta(D) servía; pero Lázaro era uno de los que estaban[c] a la mesa con Él. 3 Entonces María, tomando una libra de perfume de nardo puro(E) que costaba mucho, ungió los pies de Jesús, y se los secó[d] con los cabellos(F), y la casa se llenó con la fragancia del perfume. 4 Y Judas Iscariote, uno de sus discípulos, el que le iba a entregar[e](G), dijo*: 5 ¿Por qué no se vendió este perfume por trescientos denarios[f] y se dio a los pobres? 6 Pero dijo esto, no porque se preocupara por los pobres, sino porque era un ladrón, y como tenía la bolsa del dinero(H), sustraía de lo que se echaba en ella(I). 7 Entonces Jesús dijo: Déjala, para que lo guarde para el día de mi sepultura[g](J). 8 Porque a los pobres siempre los tendréis[h] con vosotros; pero a mí no siempre me tendréis[i](K).
Conspiración para matar a Lázaro
9 Entonces la gran multitud de judíos(L) se enteró de que Jesús estaba allí; y vinieron no solo por causa de Jesús, sino también por ver a Lázaro, a quien había resucitado de entre los muertos(M). 10 Pero los principales sacerdotes resolvieron matar también a Lázaro; 11 porque por causa de él(N) muchos de los judíos se apartaban y creían en Jesús(O).
La entrada triunfal
12 Al día siguiente, (P)cuando la gran multitud que había venido a la fiesta(Q), oyó que Jesús venía a Jerusalén, 13 tomaron hojas de las palmas y salieron a recibirle, y gritaban: ¡Hosanna! Bendito el que viene en el nombre del Señor(R), el Rey de Israel(S). 14 Jesús, hallando un asnillo, se montó en él; como está escrito: 15 No temas, hija de Sión; he aquí, tu Rey viene, montado en un pollino de asna(T). 16 Sus discípulos no entendieron esto al principio(U), pero después, cuando Jesús fue glorificado(V), entonces se acordaron de que esto se había escrito de Él, y de que le habían hecho estas cosas. 17 Y así, la multitud que estaba con Él cuando llamó a Lázaro del sepulcro y lo resucitó de entre los muertos(W), daba testimonio de Él. 18 Por eso la multitud fue también a recibirle(X), porque habían oído que Él había hecho esta señal[j](Y). 19 Entonces los fariseos se decían unos a otros: ¿Veis que no conseguís nada? Mirad, todo el mundo se ha ido tras Él.
Unos griegos buscan a Jesús
20 Y había unos griegos(Z) entre los que subían a adorar en la fiesta(AA); 21 estos, pues, fueron a Felipe(AB), que era de Betsaida(AC) de Galilea, y le rogaban, diciendo: Señor, queremos ver a Jesús. 22 Felipe fue* y se lo dijo* a Andrés(AD); Andrés y Felipe fueron* y se lo dijeron* a Jesús. 23 Jesús les respondió*, diciendo: Ha llegado la hora(AE) para que el Hijo del Hombre sea glorificado(AF). 24 En verdad, en verdad os digo que si el grano de trigo no cae en tierra y muere, se queda solo; pero si muere, produce mucho fruto(AG). 25 El que ama su vida[k] la pierde; y el que aborrece su vida[l](AH) en este mundo, la conservará(AI) para vida eterna. 26 Si alguno me sirve, que me siga; y donde yo estoy, allí también estará mi servidor(AJ); si alguno me sirve, el Padre lo honrará(AK).
Discurso de Jesús sobre su muerte
27 Ahora mi alma se ha angustiado(AL); y ¿qué diré: «Padre(AM), sálvame de esta hora(AN)»? Pero para esto he llegado a esta hora. 28 Padre(AO), glorifica tu nombre. Entonces vino una voz del cielo(AP): Y le he glorificado, y de nuevo le glorificaré. 29 Por eso la multitud que estaba allí y la oyó, decía que había sido un trueno; otros decían: Un ángel le ha hablado(AQ). 30 Respondió Jesús y dijo: Esta voz no ha venido por causa mía, sino por causa de vosotros(AR). 31 Ya está aquí[m] el juicio de este mundo(AS); ahora el príncipe de este mundo(AT) será echado fuera. 32 Y yo, si soy levantado de la tierra(AU), atraeré a todos a mí mismo(AV). 33 Pero Él decía esto para indicar de qué clase de muerte iba a morir(AW). 34 Entonces la multitud le respondió: Hemos oído en[n] la ley(AX) que el Cristo[o] permanecerá para siempre(AY); ¿y cómo dices tú: «El Hijo del Hombre(AZ) tiene que ser levantado(BA)»? ¿Quién es este Hijo del Hombre? 35 Jesús entonces les dijo: Todavía, por un poco de tiempo, la luz estará[p] entre vosotros(BB). Caminad mientras tenéis la luz(BC), para que no os sorprendan las tinieblas(BD); el que anda en la oscuridad no sabe adónde va(BE). 36 Mientras tenéis la luz, creed en la luz(BF), para que seais hijos de la luz(BG).
Estas cosas habló Jesús, y se fue y se ocultó[q] de ellos(BH). 37 Pero aunque había hecho tantas señales[r] delante de ellos, no creían en Él, 38 para que se cumpliera la palabra del profeta Isaías, que dijo: Señor, ¿quién ha creído a nuestro anuncio? ¿Y a quién se ha revelado el brazo[s] del Señor(BI)? 39 Por eso no podían creer, porque Isaías dijo también[t]: 40 El ha cegado sus ojos y endurecido su corazón(BJ), para que no vean con los ojos y entiendan con el corazón, y se conviertan y yo los sane(BK). 41 Esto dijo Isaías porque vio su gloria(BL), y habló de Él(BM). 42 Sin embargo, muchos, aun de los gobernantes(BN), creyeron en Él(BO), pero por causa de los fariseos(BP) no lo confesaban, para no ser expulsados de la sinagoga(BQ). 43 Porque amaban más el reconocimiento[u] de los hombres que el reconocimiento[v] de Dios(BR).
Juzgados por la palabra de Jesús
44 Jesús exclamó y dijo: El que cree en mí, no cree en mí, sino en aquel que me ha enviado(BS). 45 Y el que me ve, ve al que me ha enviado(BT). 46 Yo, la luz, he venido al mundo, para que todo el que cree en mí no permanezca en tinieblas(BU). 47 Si alguno oye mis palabras y no las guarda, yo no lo juzgo; porque no vine a juzgar al mundo, sino a salvar al mundo(BV). 48 El que me rechaza(BW) y no recibe mis palabras, tiene quien lo juzgue; la palabra que he hablado(BX), esa lo juzgará en el día final(BY). 49 Porque yo no he hablado por mi propia cuenta[w](BZ), sino que el Padre mismo que me ha enviado me ha dado mandamiento(CA) sobre lo que he de decir y lo que he de hablar. 50 Y sé que su mandamiento es vida eterna(CB); por eso lo que hablo, lo hablo tal como el Padre me lo ha dicho(CC).
Footnotes
- Juan 12:1 Algunos mss. agregan: el que había estado muerto
- Juan 12:2 Lit., Por tanto
- Juan 12:2 Lit., se reclinaban
- Juan 12:3 Lit., y le secó los pies
- Juan 12:4 O, traicionar
- Juan 12:5 Un denario valía aprox. 4 gramos de plata, o el equivalente al salario de un día
- Juan 12:7 I.e., la costumbre de ungir para la sepultura
- Juan 12:8 Lit., tenéis
- Juan 12:8 Lit., tenéis
- Juan 12:18 O, este milagro
- Juan 12:25 O, alma
- Juan 12:25 O, alma
- Juan 12:31 Lit., Ahora es
- Juan 12:34 O, aprendido de
- Juan 12:34 I.e., el Mesías
- Juan 12:35 Lit., está
- Juan 12:36 Lit., fue ocultado
- Juan 12:37 O, tantos milagros
- Juan 12:38 I.e., el poder
- Juan 12:39 Lit., otra vez
- Juan 12:43 O, la gloria
- Juan 12:43 O, la gloria
- Juan 12:49 Lit., de mí mismo
John 12
New Catholic Bible
John 12
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 12
The Anointing at Bethany. 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner there for him. Martha served the meal, and Lazarus was among those at table with him.
3 Mary brought in a pint[a] of very costly ointment, made from pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and dried them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. 4 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, the one who was about to betray him, said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and the money given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he had any concern for the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money bag, and he used to steal from it.
7 Jesus said in response, “Leave her alone! Let her keep it for the day of my burial. 8 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile, a large number of Jews learned that he was there, and they came not only because of Jesus but also because they wanted to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 The chief priests then decided to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was because of him that many of the Jews were leaving and putting their faith in Jesus.
12 The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.[c] The next day the great crowd of people who had come for the feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 Thus, they went out to meet him, carrying branches of palm[d] and shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
the King of Israel.”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode it, as it is written,
15 “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.[e]
Behold, your King is coming,
riding on a donkey’s colt.”
16 At first, his disciples did not understand this, but later, when Jesus had been glorified, they recalled that these things had been written about him and had happened to him.
17 Now the people who had been present when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify about this.[f] 18 Because the crowd had heard that he had performed this sign, they went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “As you see, we are getting nowhere. The entire world has gone after him.”
20 The Glory of the Cross.[g] Among those who had come up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.[h] 21 They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus. 22 Philip went to tell Andrew of this, and Philip and Andrew informed Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them,
“The hour has come
for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24 Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat
falls into the earth and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat.
However, if it dies,
it bears much fruit.
25 “Anyone who loves his life loses it,
but the one who hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
26 If anyone wishes to serve me,
he must follow me.
Where I am,
there also will my servant be.
If anyone serves me,
my Father will honor that person.
27 “Now my soul is troubled.
Yet what should I say:
‘Father, save me from this hour’?
No, it was for this
that I have come to this hour.
28 Father, glorify your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven,
“I have glorified it,
and I will glorify it again.”
29 The crowd that was present heard this, and some of them said that it was thunder, while others asserted, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered,
“This voice did not come for my sake
but for yours.
31 Now is the judgment on this world.
Now the prince of this world[i]
will be driven out.
32 And when I am lifted up from the earth,
I will draw all to myself.”
33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
34 The crowd answered, “Our Law[j] teaches that the Christ will remain forever. How then can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus replied,
“The light will be with you
for only a little longer.
Go on your way
while you still have the light,
so that the darkness
will not overtake you.
“Whoever walks in the darkness
does not know where he is going.
36 While you have the light,
believe in the light
so that you may become children of light.”
After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid himself from their sight.
37 The Choice To Believe in the Light.[k] Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of the prophet Isaiah,
“Lord, who has believed our preaching?
To whom has the power of the Lord been revealed?”
39 They therefore could not believe for as Isaiah said,
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
lest they see with their eyes
and understand with their hearts,
and thereby be converted,
so that I could heal them.”[l]
41 Isaiah said this because he saw his glory, and his words referred to him.
42 Nevertheless, there were many, even among the authorities, who believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess their faith in him, for fear of being banned from the synagogue.[m] 43 For they valued human glory more highly than the glory that comes from God.
44 The Choice To Believe in Jesus.[n] Then Jesus cried out,
“Whoever believes in me
believes not only in me
but in him who sent me.
45 And whoever sees me
sees the one who sent me.
46 I have come into the world as light
so that everyone who believes in me
may not have to remain in darkness.
47 [o]“But if anyone listens to my words
and fails to observe them,
I will not pass judgment on him,
for I did not come to judge the world
but to save the world.
48 Anyone who rejects me
and does not accept my words
already has a judge.
On the last day,
the word that I have spoken
will serve as his judge.
49 “For I have not spoken on my own,
but the Father who sent me
has himself given me command
about what I am to say
and how I am to speak.
50 I know that his commandment
is eternal life.
Therefore, what I speak
is what the Father has told me to say.”
Footnotes
- John 12:3 Pint: Greek: litra, i.e., about a half-liter.
- John 12:5 Three hundred denarii: a year’s wages, a denarius being a day’s wages for a laborer.
- John 12:12 To a greater degree than the Synoptics, the fourth Gospel describes this entry as a triumph and stresses above all the theme of the glory of Christ. The raising of Lazarus has provoked the enthusiasm of the crowd, and for the first time Jesus allows himself to be acclaimed “King of Israel”; he lets himself be known as the King-Messiah announced by Zechariah (9:9).
- John 12:13 Branches of palm: customarily used in victory celebrations (see 1 Mac 13:51; 2 Mac 10:7). Hosanna: an acclamation meaning “Grant salvation!” The citation is from Ps 118:25. He who comes in the name of the Lord: see note on Mt 21:9. The King of Israel: a reference to the coming king mentioned by Zep 3:14-15 and Zec 9:9. See also note on Mt 21:9.
- John 12:15 Daughter of Zion: see note on Mt 21:5.
- John 12:17 Another reading for this verse is given in some manuscripts: “Then the crowd that was with him began to bear witness that he had called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead.”
- John 12:20 Jesus’ single-day success does not divert him from his hour, nor that of his adversaries, and it is his deciding moment. This page with so many themes gives us a glimpse into his thinking.
To the crowd, among whom are sympathetic Gentiles, he proposes the image of a grain of wheat that must die. Conscious of the necessity for his death, he realizes the fruitfulness of his approaching sacrifice for the whole world.
Paradoxically, that death is elevation and glorification: it will show who Jesus is and be the reversal in the fate of human beings. As in the account of the agony in the garden related by the Synoptics (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:39-46), he overcomes his fear in the face of what humans regard as ruin; he dominates the cruel paradox.
His death transforms the fate of the world: it is defeat for the forces of evil and opens up hope for those called to the communion of Jesus, to life.
Here is an unexpected Messiah who completes God’s work by his own death; as here, so elsewhere we read constantly of Christ’s invitation to his disciples to share his lot (see Mt 16:25; Mk 8:35; Lk 9:24). Believers may fear death but not lose hope, since for Jesus, in whom they believe, the hour of death was the hour in which he conquered the devil, was glorified by the Father, and showed himself to be the light of the world. This beautiful text leaves us the meditation of the ancient Church on the cross of Christ; it has become the glorious cross. - John 12:20 Greeks: not Jews, but adherents of Judaism, although without embracing its practices.
- John 12:31 Prince of this world: Satan, who has the ability to control human beings by drawing them away from God (see Jn 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 6:12).
- John 12:34 Law: taken here as the entire Old Testament (see Jn 10:34), and referring specifically to Pss 89:37; 110:4; Isa 9:7; Dan 7:14. Son of Man: see notes on Jn 1:51 and Mt 8:20.
- John 12:37 The early Christian generations always remained astonished at Israel’s refusal of the light, and they meditated on the text of Isaiah on the blindness of people when faced with an unexpected work of God. To recognize the light is to choose to accept its demands. Such a choice turns a life upside down; it is necessary to accept the risk of being marginalized from the usual social and religious milieu.
- John 12:40 This text, like others in the Old Testament, appears to say that hardened hearts and blinded eyes are God’s doing. However, the evangelist is simply assuring Christian readers that even though God would give people every opportunity to convert, many would still choose to stay in their sin.
- John 12:42 John is indicating that in the Israel of his time there is, as always, a remnant that believes. But they are not a true People of God because of their fear of being excommunicated by the authorities.
- John 12:44 But who is the light? It is Jesus himself, sent by the Father to make known the Father’s love and to save believers. All through the Gospel, Christ has testified how deeply aware he is of this mission because of the unity in which he lives with his Father. What Jesus says in these few verses sums up his entire teaching concerning his mission.
- John 12:47 This parallels the statement found at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 7:24-27). Everything hangs upon a person’s acceptance or rejection of what Jesus has said.
John 12
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
John 12
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 12
The Anointing at Bethany.(A) 1 [a]Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.(B) 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.(C) 3 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus[b] and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.(D) 4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one [of] his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, 5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages[c] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.(E) 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.[d] 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”(F)
9 [The] large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.(G) 10 And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, 11 because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.(H)
The Entry into Jerusalem.[e] 12 (I)On the next day, when the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took palm branches[f] and went out to meet him, and cried out:
“Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
[even] the king of Israel.”(J)
14 Jesus found an ass and sat upon it, as is written:
16 His disciples did not understand this at first, but when Jesus had been glorified they remembered that these things were written about him and that they had done this[h] for him.(L) 17 [i]So the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from death continued to testify. 18 This was [also] why the crowd went to meet him, because they heard that he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the whole world[j] has gone after him.”(M)
The Coming of Jesus’ Hour.[k] 20 Now there were some Greeks[l] among those who had come up to worship at the feast.(N) 21 [m]They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”(O) 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.(P) 23 [n]Jesus answered them,(Q) “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 [o]Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat;(R) but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life[p] loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.(S) 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.(T)
27 “I am troubled[q] now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.(U) 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”(V) 29 The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”(W) 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours.(X) 31 Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world[r] will be driven out.(Y) 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”(Z) 33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever.[s] Then how can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”(AA) 35 Jesus said to them, “The light will be among you only a little while. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overcome you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where he is going.(AB) 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.”(AC)
Unbelief and Belief Among the Jews. After he had said this, Jesus left and hid from them. 37 [t](AD)Although he had performed so many signs in their presence they did not believe in him, 38 [u]in order that the word which Isaiah the prophet spoke might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed our preaching,
to whom has the might of the Lord been revealed?”(AE)
39 For this reason they could not believe, because again Isaiah said:
40 “He blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
so that they might not see with their eyes
and understand with their heart and be converted,
and I would heal them.”(AF)
41 Isaiah said this because he saw his glory[v] and spoke about him.(AG) 42 Nevertheless, many, even among the authorities, believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge it openly in order not to be expelled from the synagogue.(AH) 43 For they preferred human praise to the glory of God.(AI)
Recapitulation. 44 Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me,(AJ) 45 and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.(AK) 46 I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.(AL) 47 And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.(AM) 48 Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day,(AN) 49 because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.(AO) 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”
Footnotes
- 12:1–8 This is probably the same scene of anointing found in Mk 14:3–9 (see note there) and Mt 26:6–13. The anointing by a penitent woman in Lk 7:36–38 is different. Details from these various episodes have become interchanged.
- 12:3 The feet of Jesus: so Mk 14:3; but in Mt 26:6, Mary anoints Jesus’ head as a sign of regal, messianic anointing.
- 12:5 Days’ wages: literally, “denarii.” A denarius is a day’s wage in Mt 20:2; see note on Jn 6:7.
- 12:7 Jesus’ response reflects the rabbinical discussion of what was the greatest act of mercy, almsgiving or burying the dead. Those who favored proper burial of the dead thought it an essential condition for sharing in the resurrection.
- 12:12–19 In John, the entry into Jerusalem follows the anointing whereas in the synoptics it precedes. In John, the crowd, not the disciples, are responsible for the triumphal procession.
- 12:13 Palm branches: used to welcome great conquerors; cf. 1 Mc 13:51; 2 Mc 10:7. They may be related to the lûlāb, the twig bundles used at the feast of Tabernacles. Hosanna: see Ps 118:25–26. The Hebrew word means: “(O Lord), grant salvation.” He who comes in the name of the Lord: referred in Ps 118:26 to a pilgrim entering the temple gates, but here a title for Jesus (see notes on Mt 11:3 and Jn 6:14; 11:27). The king of Israel: perhaps from Zep 3:14–15, in connection with the next quotation from Zec 9:9.
- 12:15 Daughter Zion: Jerusalem. Ass’s colt: symbol of peace, as opposed to the war horse.
- 12:16 They had done this: the antecedent of they is ambiguous.
- 12:17–18 There seem to be two different crowds in these verses. There are some good witnesses to the text that have another reading for Jn 12:17: “Then the crowd that was with him began to testify that he had called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead.”
- 12:19 The whole world: the sense is that everyone is following Jesus, but John has an ironic play on world; he alludes to the universality of salvation (Jn 3:17; 4:42).
- 12:20–36 This announcement of glorification by death is an illustration of “the whole world” (Jn 12:19) going after him.
- 12:20 Greeks: not used here in a nationalistic sense. These are probably Gentile proselytes to Judaism; cf. Jn 7:35.
- 12:21–22 Philip…Andrew: the approach is made through disciples who have distinctly Greek names, suggesting that access to Jesus was mediated to the Greek world through his disciples. Philip and Andrew were from Bethsaida (Jn 1:44); Galileans were mostly bilingual. See: here seems to mean “have an interview with.”
- 12:23 Jesus’ response suggests that only after the crucifixion could the gospel encompass both Jew and Gentile.
- 12:24 This verse implies that through his death Jesus will be accessible to all. It remains just a grain of wheat: this saying is found in the synoptic triple and double traditions (Mk 8:35; Mt 16:25; Lk 9:24; Mt 10:39; Lk 17:33). John adds the phrases (Jn 12:25) in this world and for eternal life.
- 12:25 His life: the Greek word psychē refers to a person’s natural life. It does not mean “soul,” for Hebrew anthropology did not postulate body/soul dualism in the way that is familiar to us.
- 12:27 I am troubled: perhaps an allusion to the Gethsemane agony scene of the synoptics.
- 12:31 Ruler of this world: Satan.
- 12:34 There is no passage in the Old Testament that states precisely that the Messiah remains forever. Perhaps the closest is Ps 89:37.
- 12:37–50 These verses, on unbelief of the Jews, provide an epilogue to the Book of Signs.
- 12:38–41 John gives a historical explanation of the disbelief of the Jewish people, not a psychological one. The Old Testament had to be fulfilled; the disbelief that met Isaiah’s message was a foreshadowing of the disbelief that Jesus encountered. In Jn 12:42 and also in Jn 3:20 we see that there is no negation of freedom.
- 12:41 His glory: Isaiah saw the glory of Yahweh enthroned in the heavenly temple, but in John the antecedent of his is Jesus.
John 12
New International Version
John 12
New International Version
Jesus Anointed at Bethany(A)
12 Six days before the Passover,(B) Jesus came to Bethany,(C) where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served,(D) while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume;(E) she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.(F) And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him,(G) objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag,(H) he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.(I) 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c](J) but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.(K) 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him(L) many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.(M)
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King(N)
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches(O) and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna![d]”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”(Q)
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this.(S) Only after Jesus was glorified(T) did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
17 Now the crowd that was with him(U) when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign,(V) went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”(W)
Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Now there were some Greeks(X) among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida(Y) in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “The hour(Z) has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.(AA) 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies,(AB) it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it(AC) for eternal life.(AD) 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.(AE) My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is troubled,(AF) and what shall I say? ‘Father,(AG) save me from this hour’?(AH) No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven,(AI) “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit,(AJ) not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world;(AK) now the prince of this world(AL) will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[g] from the earth,(AM) will draw all people to myself.”(AN) 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.(AO)
34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law(AP) that the Messiah will remain forever,(AQ) so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man(AR) must be lifted up’?(AS) Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light(AT) just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light,(AU) before darkness overtakes you.(AV) Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.”(AW) When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.(AX)
Belief and Unbelief Among the Jews
37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs(AY) in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them.”[i](BA)
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory(BB) and spoke about him.(BC)
42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.(BD) But because of the Pharisees(BE) they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;(BF) 43 for they loved human praise(BG) more than praise from God.(BH)
44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.(BI) 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.(BJ) 46 I have come into the world as a light,(BK) so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.(BL) 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them(BM) at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me(BN) to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life.(BO) So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”(BP)
Footnotes
- John 12:3 Or about 0.5 liter
- John 12:5 Greek three hundred denarii
- John 12:8 See Deut. 15:11.
- John 12:13 A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise
- John 12:13 Psalm 118:25,26
- John 12:15 Zech. 9:9
- John 12:32 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.
- John 12:38 Isaiah 53:1
- John 12:40 Isaiah 6:10
John 12
King James Version
John 12
King James Version
12 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 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.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
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