Bible Commentary

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying,] I have both glorified [it,] and will glorify [it] again. 28. Then came there ] Better, There came therefore, i.e. in answer to Christ’s prayer. There can be no doubt what S. John wishes us to understand; that a voice was heard speaking … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:28”

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. 27. This is a verse of well-known difficulty, and the meaning cannot be determined with certainty, several meanings being admissible. The doubtful points are (1) the position of the interrogation, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:27”

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 honor. 26. let him follow me ] in My life of self-sacrifice: Christ Himself has set the example of hating one’s life in this world. These words … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:26”

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 25. loveth his life hateth his life life eternal ] ‘Life’ is here used in two senses, and in the Greek two different words are used. In the first two cases ‘life’ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:25”

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. 24. Verily, verily ] Strange as it may seem to you that the Messiah should die, yet this is but the course of nature: a seed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:24”

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 23. And Jesus answered ] Better, But Jesus answereth. He anticipates the Apostles and addresses them before they introduce the Greeks. We are left in doubt as to the result of the Greeks’ request. Nothing is said to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:23”

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 22. telleth Andrew ] Another Apostle with a Greek name. They were both of Bethsaida (Joh 1:44), and possibly these Greeks may have come from the same district. S. Philip seems to shrink from the responsibility of introducing Gentiles to the Messiah, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:22”

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 21. to Philip ] Their coming to S. Philip was the result either (1) of accident; or (2) of previous acquaintance, to which the mention of his home seems to point; or (3) of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:21”

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 20 33. The Desire of the Gentiles and the Voice from Heaven 20. Greeks ] The same word is translated ‘Gentiles’ Joh 7:35, where see note. Care must be taken to distinguish in the N.T. between Hellenes or ‘Greeks,’ i.e. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:20”

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. 19. The Discomfiture of the Pharisees 19. Perceive ye ] Rather, Behold ye. The Greek may also mean ‘Behold’ (imperat.) or ye behold: the last is perhaps best; ‘Ye see what a mistake we have made; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 12:19”