John 12:33

← John 12:32 John 12:34 →

John 12:33 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

(This he said, pointing to the sort of death he would have.)

Free Bible Version FBV

(He said this to point out the kind of death he was going to die.)

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe this sayd he, signifying what death he should die.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And this he said signifying by what death he was about to die;

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

(This he said, signifying what death he should die.)

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

(Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.)

Translation for Translators T4T

He said this to show us the way in which he was going to die.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — John 12:33

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

John 12:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τουτο δε ελεγεν σημαινων ποιω θανατω εμελλεν αποθνησκειν

τουτο ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-ASN

δε de G1161 then Conj

ελεγεν legō G3004 to say Verb-IAI-3S

σημαινων sēmainō G4591 to signify Verb-PAP-NSM

ποιω poios G4169 what? Interrog-DSM

θανατω thanatos G2288 death Noun-DSM

εμελλεν mellō G3195 to ensue Verb-IAI-3S

αποθνησκειν apothnēskō G599 to die Verb-PAN

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — John 12:33

τουτο ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-ASN

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ελεγεν legō G3004 "to say" Verb-IAI-3S

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

σημαινων sēmainō G4591 "to signify" Verb-PAP-NSM

To signify means to show or indicate something, like a sign or signal. In the Bible, it's used in Acts 25:27 and Revelation 1:1. It helps explain or point out important things.

Definition: σημαίνω (σῆμα, a sign), [in LXX for רוּעַ hi., תָּקַע, etc. ;] to give a sign, signify, indicate: with accusative of thing(s), Act.25:27, Rev.1:1 (cf. MM, xxii); with accusative and inf., Act.11:28; before quæst. indir., Jhn.12:33 18:32 21:19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: signify See also: Acts 11:28; John 18:32; Revelation 1:1.

ποιω poios G4169 "what?" Interrog-DSM

What sort or which one is the meaning of this word, used in questions like those in Matthew 19:18 and Mark 11:28. It's about asking for specifics or details.

Definition: ποῖος, -α, -ον interrog. pronom. adj. (corresponding to the demonstr. τοῖος and the relat. οἷος), [in LXX chiefly for זֶה אֵי־ ;] of what quality or sort: absol., n. pl., Luk.24:19; with subst.; __(a) prop., in direct questions: Mat.19:18 21:23 22:36 24:42, Mrk.11:28 12:28, Luk.6:32-34, Jhn.10:32, Act.4:7 7:49, Rom.3:27, 1Co.15:35, Jas.4:14 (but see: ποία), 1Pe.2:20; __(b) in indirect questions = ὁποῖος : Mat.21:24, 27 24:43, Mrk.11:29, 33, Luk.12:39 20:2, 8, Jhn.12:33 18:32 21:19 Act.23:34, 1Pe.1:11, Rev.3:3; ποῖας (sc. ὁδοῦ), Luk.5:19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 33 NT verses. KJV: what (manner of), which See also: 1 Corinthians 15:35; Luke 20:2; 1 Peter 1:11.

θανατω thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-DSM

This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.

Definition: θάνατος, -ου, ὁ (θνήσκω), [in LXX chiefly for מָוֶת ,מוּת, sometimes דֶּבֶר ;] death; __1. of the death of the body, whether natural or violent: Jhn.11:13, Php.2:27, Heb.7:23, al; opposite to ζωή, Rom.8:38, Php.1:20; of the death of Christ, Rom.5:10, Php.3:10, Heb.2:9; ῥυέσθαι (σώζειν) ἐκ θ., 2Co.1:10, Heb.5:7; περίλυπος ἕως θανάτου, Mat.26:38, Mrk.14:34; μέχρι (ἄχρι), Php.2:8, Rev.2:10; πληγὴ θανάτου, a deadly wound. Rev.13:3; ἰδεῖν θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; γεύεσθαι θανάτου, Mrk.9:1; ἔνοχος θανάτου, Mrk.14:64; θανάτῳ τελευτᾶν ( Exo.21:17, מוּת יוּמָת), Mrk.7:10; death personified, Rom.6:9, 1Co.15:26, Rev.21:4; pl., of deadly perils, 2Co.11:23. __2. Of spiritual death: Jhn.5:24 8:51, Rom.7:10, Jas.1:15, 5:20, 1Jn.3:14 5:16, al.; of eternal death, Rom.1:32 7:5, al.; ὁ θ. ὁ δεύτερος, Rev.2:11 21:8 (cf. Cremer, 283ff.; DB, iii, 114ff.; DCG, i, 791f.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.

εμελλεν mellō G3195 "to ensue" Verb-IAI-3S

To ensue means to be about to happen or to intend to do something, like when Jesus was about to suffer in Matthew 2:13. It involves a sense of purpose or duty. The Bible uses this concept to describe events that are going to occur, like in Acts 3:3 and Hebrews 8:5.

Definition: μέλλω, [in LXX: Job.3:8 (עָתִיד) 19:25 (אַחֲרוֹן); elsewhere for fut., and frequently in Wi, II, 4Mac ;] to be about to be or do; __1. with inf. (Bl., §62, 4; 68, 2; M, Pr., 114); __(a) of intending or being about to do of one's own free will: with inf. praes., Mat.2:13, Luk.10:1, Act.3:3 5:35, Heb.8:5, 2Pe.1:12 (Field, Notes, 240), al.; with inf. aor. (Bl., §58, 3), Act.12:6, Rev.3:16; __(b) of compulsion, necessity or certainty: with inf. praes., Mat.16:27, Luk.9:31, Jhn.6:71, Rom.4:24, al.; with inf. aor., Rom.8:18, Gal.3:23, Rev.3:2 12:4. __2. Ptcp., ὁ μέλλων: absol., Rom.8:38, 1Co.3:22; τὰ μ., Col.2:17; εἰς τὸ μ. (Field, Notes, 65); with subst., Mat.3:7 12:32 (ὁ αἰὼν ὁ μ.; LXX for עַד), Act.24:25, 1Ti.4:8, Heb.2:5, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 108 NT verses. KJV: about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Hebrews 11:20; 1 Peter 5:1.

αποθνησκειν apothnēskō G599 "to die" Verb-PAN

To stop living, or pass away, as seen in John 6:50 and Romans 8:13. It can be a natural death or a spiritual one.

Definition: ἀπο-θνῄσκω, [in LXX chiefly for מוּת ;] to die: of natural death, Mrk.5:35, al.; of violent death (pass. of ἀποκτείνω), esp. of Christ, Mat.26:35, Jhn.12:33, Heb.10:28, al.; of spiritual death, Jhn.6:50, Rom.8:13, al.; with dative ref., Rom.6:2, 10 14:7, 8, Gal.2:19; accusative, ὅ, Rom.6:10; before ἐν, Mat.8:32, Jhn.8:21, 24 1Co.15:22, Heb.11:37, Rev.14:13; before ὑπέρ, περί, Jhn.11:50, 51 18:14, Rom.5:6-8 14:15, 1Co.15:3, 2Co.5:15, 1Th.5:10, 1Pe.3:18; ἀπό, Col.2:20; ἐκ, Rev.8:11; figuratively, 1Co.15:31 (cf. συν-αποθνήσκω, and V. Milligan, NTD, 258f.; DCG, i, 791b; Cremer, 286; MM, see word; on the perfective force of this verb, M, Pr., 112, 114; and on the distinction bet. present and aor., ib. 113 f.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 99 NT verses. KJV: be dead, death, die, lie a-dying, be slain (X with) See also: 1 Corinthians 8:11; Jude 1:12; Hebrews 7:8.

Study Notes — John 12:33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
John 12:33 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 12:33
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 12:33
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 12:33
Trapp's Commentary on John 12:33
Ellicott's Commentary on John 12:33
Cambridge Bible on John 12:33
Whedon's Commentary on John 12:33
Sermons on John 12:33

Context — Jesus Predicts His Death

31Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”

33He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.

34The crowd replied, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever. So how can You say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 18:32	This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.
2	John 21:19	Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”

John 12:33 Summary

[Jesus was explaining that He would die by being lifted up on a cross, which was a way of execution used by the Romans. This kind of death was very painful and public, but it was also a way for Jesus to show His love for the world, as seen in John 3:16. By dying on the cross, Jesus was able to provide salvation for everyone, as seen in Romans 5:8. We can learn from Jesus' example of humility and self-sacrifice, and strive to live our lives in a way that honors Him, as seen in 1 Peter 2:21.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of death was Jesus referring to in John 12:33?

Jesus was referring to His crucifixion, where He would be lifted up on the cross, as mentioned in John 12:32, and this would be a willing sacrifice for the sins of the world, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8

How does Jesus' death relate to the prince of this world being cast out, as mentioned in John 12:31?

Jesus' death on the cross would ultimately lead to the defeat of Satan, the prince of this world, as seen in Colossians 2:15 and Hebrews 2:14-15, and would bring judgment on the world's sinful ways

Why was it necessary for Jesus to die in this specific way?

Jesus' death by crucifixion was necessary to fulfill the scriptures and to provide salvation for humanity, as seen in Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, and to demonstrate God's love for the world, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8

What can we learn from Jesus' willingness to die on the cross?

We can learn about the depth of God's love for us and the importance of self-sacrifice, as seen in John 15:13 and Philippians 2:5-8, and we are called to follow Jesus' example of humility and obedience, as seen in 1 Peter 2:21 and Matthew 16:24

Reflection Questions

What does Jesus' willingness to die on the cross reveal about His character and love for us?
How does the knowledge of Jesus' impending death affect my daily life and priorities?
What are some ways that I can apply the principle of self-sacrifice, as demonstrated by Jesus, in my own life?
What does it mean to 'lift up' Jesus in my life, and how can I do this in a way that honors Him?

Gill's Exposition on John 12:33

This he said,.... These are the words of the evangelist, interpreting the design of Christ in the above words, thereby signifying what death he should die; the phrase of being lifted up from the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 12:33

This he said, signifying what death he should die. (This he said, signifying what death , [ poioo (G4169) thanatoo (G2288) rather, 'what kind' or 'manner of death'] he should die)-that is, His being

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 12:33

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on John 12:33

33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. Ver. 33. Signifying what death, &c.] Be lifted up between heaven and earth, as Absalom was, Absolon Marte furens pensilis arbore obit, who therein, saith Gretser the Jesuit, became a lively figure of Christ crucified. Sed o mirum et delirum figurativae crucis fabrum!

Ellicott's Commentary on John 12:33

(33) By what death he should die.—Better, by what manner of death . . . (Comp. John 18:32.) The words are the Apostle’s interpretation of the saying of our Lord. He remembers it as he has recorded it twice before (John 3:14; John 8:28), but he adds here words (“from the earth”) which supply another thought, though the two thoughts are not inconsistent. The words bear the double sense, and looking back upon the fact of the Crucifixion, he sees in that a lifting up which was part of the great moral victory over the world, and in the very cross of shame he sees the throne of glory.

Cambridge Bible on John 12:33

33. what death] Literally, by what manner of death: comp. John 10:32, John 18:32, John 21:9.should die] The word translated ‘should’ is the same as that used of the traitor, John 12:4 and John 6:71. It is used (1) of what is about to happen, (2) of what (seeing that it has happened) may be regarded as necessary and fore-ordained.

Whedon's Commentary on John 12:33

33. What death he should die—The words lifted up signified the exaltation upon the cross.

Sermons on John 12:33

	Sermon	Description
	Day 215, John 18 by David Servant	David Servant delves into the Gospel of John, highlighting unique aspects such as Jesus' captors falling to the ground when He identified Himself as 'I am,' echoing God's revelatio
	First Miraculous Catch of Fish by William Fitch	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Peter, James, and John's encounter with Jesus on a beach. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' call to dis
	Don't Waste Your Life - Part 4 by John Piper	This sermon emphasizes the concept of living an unwasted life by showcasing the supreme value of Christ in all aspects of life and death. It highlights the importance of treasuring
	Do You Love Me More Than These? by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his personal testimony before delving into the analysis of various Bible verses. He recounts
	In the Boat With No Fish by Thaddeus Barnum	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the manifestation of Jesus to his disciples and the significance of this encounter. The speaker mentions that Jesus first met Peter, John, an
	Follow Me by James Smith	James Smith preaches on the importance of following Jesus wholeheartedly, emphasizing that Jesus leads His followers out of the world, into fellowship with Himself and His Father,