The Meaning of John 12:32 Explained

John 12:32

KJV: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

YLT: and I, if I may be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.'

Darby: and I, if I be lifted up out of the earth, will draw all to me.

ASV: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And I,  if  I be lifted up  from  the earth,  will draw  all  [men] unto  me. 

What does John 12:32 Mean?

Context Summary

John 12:30-41 - Belief May Become Impossible
The question of the Greeks led our Lord's thoughts to His death. He saw, too, the baptism of suffering through which His followers must pass. From all this that troubled Him, He fled to the Father, asking only that all should converge to His glory. That request was immediately answered in the affirmative. Thus He was led to give this amazing interpretation of the events which were taking place, as viewed from the standpoint of heaven. The age, not He, was being judged. It was standing before Him for its verdict, not He before it. Caiaphas, Pilate, and the rulers of the age were passing before His judgment seat and being judged as worthless. The prince of the age, Satan, not Christ, was being cast out, though the sentence might take long before fully realized. Little as they recognized it, the day of the Cross was the crisis of the history of earth and hell, of men and demons. Then was settled the question of supremacy between darkness and light, between hate and love, between death and life. Lifted up recalls John 3:14. The Cross is the divine magnet, and our attitude with regard to it shows what we are. Learn from John 12:35-36 the order of transfiguration into the sonship of light: believe in the light, walk in the light, and you will become sons of light. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 12

1  Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet
9  The people flock to see Lazarus
10  The chief priests consult to kill him
12  Jesus rides into Jerusalem
20  Greeks desire to see Jesus
23  He foretells his death
37  The people are generally blinded;
42  yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;
44  therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith

Greek Commentary for John 12:32

And I, if I be lifted from the earth [καγω αν υπσωτω εκ της γης]
Note proleptic position of εγω — egō (I). Condition of third class (undetermined with prospect) with αν — an (= εαν — ean here) with first aorist passive subjunctive of υπσοω — hupsoō the verb used in John 3:14 of the brazen serpent and of the Cross of Christ as here and also in John 8:28. Westcott again presses εκ — ek instead of απο — apo to make it refer to the ascension rather than to the Cross, a wrong interpretation surely. Will draw all men unto myself Future active of ελκυω — helkuō late form of ελκω — helkō to draw, to attract. Jesus had already used this verb of the Father‘s drawing power (John 6:44). The magnetism of the Cross is now known of all men, however little they understand the mystery of the Cross. By “all men” (παντας — pantas) Jesus does not mean every individual man, for some, as Simeon said (Luke 2:34) are repelled by Christ, but this is the way that Greeks (John 12:22) can and will come to Christ, by the way of the Cross, the only way to the Father (John 14:6). [source]
Be lifted up [ὑψωθῶ]
See on John 3:14. The primary reference is to the cross, but there is included a reference to the resurrection and ascension. Bengel says: “In the very cross there was already something tending towards glory.” Wyc., enhanced. [source]
From the earth [ἐκ τῆς γῆς]
Literally, out of the earth. [source]
Will draw [ἑλκύσω]
See on John 6:44. [source]
All men [πάντας]
Some high authorities read πάντα , all things. [source]
Unto Me [πρὸς ἐμαυτόν]
Rev., rightly, unto myself: in contrast with the prince of this world. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 12:32

Luke 10:15 Shalt thou be exalted? [μη υπσωτησηι]
Μη — Mē expects the answer No. The verb is future passive indicative second singular of υπσοω — hupsoō to lift up, a late verb from υπσος — hupsos height. It is used by Jesus of the Cross (John 12:32). [source]
John 6:44 Draw [ἑλκύση]
Two words for drawing are found in the New Testament, σύρω and ἑλκύω . The distinction is not habitually observed, and the meanings often overlap. Σύρω is originally to drag or trail along, as a garment or torn slippers. Both words are used of haling to justice. (See Acts 8:3; Acts 17:6; Acts 16:19) In Acts 14:19, συ.ρω , of dragging Paul's senseless body out of the city at Lystra. In John 21:6, John 21:8, John 21:11, both words of drawing the net. In John 18:10, ἑλκύω , of drawing Peter's sword. One distinction, however, is observed: σύρω is never used of Christ's attraction of men. See John 6:44; John 12:32. Ἑλκύω occurs only once outside of John's writings (Acts 16:19). Luther says on this passage: “The drawing is not like that of the executioner, who draws the thief up the ladder to the gallows; but it is a gracious allurement, such as that of the man whom everybody loves, and to whom everybody willingly goes.” [source]
John 18:32 By what death [ποίῳ θανάτῳ]
More correctly, by what manner of death. So Rev. Compare John 12:32; Matthew 20:19. Crucifixion was not a Jewish punishment. [source]
John 18:32 By what manner of death [ποιωι τανατωι]
Instrumental case of the qualitative interrogative ποιος — poios in an indirect question, the very idiom used in John 12:32 concerning the Cross and here treated as prophecy (Scripture) with ινα πληρωτηι — hina plērōthēi like the saying of Jesus in John 18:9 which see. [source]
John 3:14 Moses lifted up the serpent [Μωυσης υπσωσεν τον οπιν]
Reference to Numbers 21:7. where Moses set the brazen serpent upon the standard that those who believed might look and live. Jesus draws a vivid parallel between the act of Moses and the Cross on which he himself (the Son of man) “must” In John υπσοω — hupsoō always refers to the Cross (John 8:28; John 12:32, John 12:34), though to the Ascension in Acts (Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31). Jesus is complimenting the standing and intelligence of Nicodemus as “the teacher of Israel” by telling him this great truth and fact that lies at the basis of the work of the kingdom of God (the atoning death of Christ on the Cross). [source]
John 6:44 Except the Father draw him [εαν μη ελκυσηι αυτον]
Negative condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē and first aorist active subjunctive of ελκυω — helkuō older form ελκω — helkō to drag like a net (John 21:6), or sword (John 18:10), or men (Acts 16:19), to draw by moral power (John 12:32), as in Jeremiah 31:3. Συρω — Surō the other word to drag (Acts 8:3; Acts 14:19) is not used of Christ‘s drawing power. The same point is repeated in John 6:65. The approach of the soul to God is initiated by God, the other side of John 6:37. See Romans 8:7 for the same doctrine and use of ουδε δυναται — oude dunatai like ουδεις δυναται — oudeis dunatai here. [source]
John 3:14 Lifted up [ὑψωθῆναι]
The following are the uses of the word in the New Testament: The exaltation of pride (Matthew 11:23; Luke 10:15; Luke 14:11). The raising of the humble (Luke 1:52; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). The exaltation of Christ in glory (Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31). The uplifting on the cross (John 3:14; John 8:28; John 12:32, John 12:34). The reference here is to the crucifixion, but beyond that, to the glorification of Christ. It is characteristic of John to blend the two ideas of Christ's passion and glory (John 8:28; John 12:32). Thus, when Judas went out to betray him, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of man glorified” (John 13:31). Hence the believer overcomes the world through faith in Him who came not by water only, but by water and blood (1 John 5:4-6). [source]
John 10:16 Other sheep [αλλα προβατα]
Sheep, not goats, but “not of this fold” See John 10:1 for αυλη — aulē Clearly “his flock is not confined to those enclosed in the Jewish fold, whether in Palestine or elsewhere” (Westcott). Christ‘s horizon takes in all men of all races and times (John 11:52; John 12:32). The world mission of Christ for all nations is no new idea with him (Matthew 8:11; Luke 13:28). God loved the world and gave his Son for the race (John 3:16). Them also I must bring Second aorist active infinitive of κακεινα δει με αγαγειν — agō with αγω — dei expressing the moral urgency of Christ‘s passion for God‘s people in all lands and ages. Missions in Christ‘s mind takes in the whole world. This is according to prophecy (Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 56:8) for the Messiah is to be a Light also to the Gentiles. It was typified by the brazen serpent (John 3:14). Christ died for every man. The Pharisees doubtless listened in amazement and even the disciples with slow comprehension. And they shall hear my voice Future middle indicative of και της πωνης μου ακουσονται — akouō with the genitive ακουω — phōnēs These words read like a transcript from the Acts and the Epistles of Paul (Rom 9-11 in particular). See especially Paul‘s words in Acts 28:28. Present-day Christianity is here foretold. Only do we really listen to the voice of the Shepherd as we should? Jesus means that the Gentiles will hearken if the Jews turn away from him. And they shall become one flock, one shepherd Future middle indicative of γινομαι — ginomai plural, not singular γενησεται — genēsetai as some MSS. have it. All (Jews and Gentiles) will form one flock under one Shepherd. Note the distinction here by Jesus between ποιμνη — poimnē (old word, contraction of ποιμενη — poimenē from ποιμην — poimēn shepherd), as in Matthew 26:31, and αυλη — aulē (fold) just before. There may be many folds of the one flock. Jerome in his Vulgate confused this distinction, but he is wrong. His use of ovile for both αυλη — aulē and πομνιον — pomnion has helped Roman Catholic assumptions. Christ‘s use of “flock” (ποιμνη — poimnē) here is just another metaphor for kingdom (βασιλεια — basileia) in Matthew 8:11 where the children of the kingdom come from all climes and nations. See also the various metaphors in Ephesians 2 for this same idea. There is only the one Great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20), Jesus Christ our Lord. [source]
John 12:34 Out of the law [εκ του νομου]
That is, “out of the Scriptures” (John 10:34; John 15:25). The Christ abideth forever Timeless present active indicative of μενω — menō to abide, remain. Perhaps from Psalm 89:4; Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 9:7; Ezekiel 37:25; Daniel 7:14. How sayest thou? In opposition to the law (Scripture). The Son of man Accusative case of general reference with the infinitive υπσωτηναι — hupsōthēnai (first aorist passive of υπσοω — hupsoō and taken in the sense of death by the cross as Jesus used it in John 12:32). Clearly the crowd understand Jesus to be “the Son of man” and take the phrase to be equivalent to “the Christ.” This is the obvious way to understand the two terms in their reply, and not, as Bernard suggests, that they saw no connexion between “the Christ” (the Messiah) and “the Son of man.” The use of “this” (ουτος — houtos) in the question that follows is in contrast to John 12:32. The Messiah (the Son of man) abides forever and is not to be crucified as you say he “must” (δει — dei) be. [source]
Acts 16:19 Dragged [ειλκυσαν]
First aorist active indicative of ελκυω — helkuō late form of the old verb ελκω — helkō (also in James 2:6) to draw as a sword, and then to drag one forcibly as here and Acts 21:30. It is also used of spiritual drawing as by Jesus in John 12:32. Here it is by violence. [source]
Acts 16:19 Laid hold on [επιλαβομενοι]
Second aorist middle participle of επιλαμβανω — epilambanō as in Acts 9:27; Acts 17:19, but here with hostile intent. Dragged (ειλκυσαν — heilkusan). First aorist active indicative of ελκυω — helkuō late form of the old verb ελκω — helkō (also in James 2:6) to draw as a sword, and then to drag one forcibly as here and Acts 21:30. It is also used of spiritual drawing as by Jesus in John 12:32. Here it is by violence. Into the marketplace Into the Roman forum near which would be the courts of law as in our courthouse square, as in Acts 17:17. Marketing went on also (Mark 7:4), when the crowds collect (Mark 6:56), from αγειρω — ageirō to collect or gather. Unto the rulers (επι τους αρχοντας — epi tous archontas). General Greek term for “the magistrates.” [source]
Acts 2:33 Exalted [υπσωτεις]
First aorist passive participle of υπσοω — hupsoō to lift up. Here both the literal and tropical sense occurs. Cf. John 12:32. The promise of the Holy Spirit (την επαγγελιαν του πνευματος του αγιου — tēn epaggelian tou pneumatos tou hagiou). The promise mentioned in Acts 1:4 and now come true, consisting in the Holy Spirit “from the Father” (παρα του πατρος — para tou patros), sent by the Father and by the Son (John 15:26; John 16:7). See also Galatians 3:14. He hath poured forth Aorist active indicative of εκχεω — ekcheō the verb used by Joel and quoted by Peter already in Acts 2:17, Acts 2:18. Jesus has fulfilled his promise. This which ye see and hear (τουτο ο υμεις και βλεπετε και ακουετε — touto ho humeis kai blepete kai akouete). This includes the sound like the rushing wind, the tongues like fire on each of them, the different languages spoken by the 120. “The proof was before their eyes in this new energy from heaven” (Furneaux), a culminating demonstration that Jesus was the Messiah. [source]
Hebrews 9:14 Through the eternal spirit [διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου]
For the rend. an. Διὰ through= by virtue of. Not the Holy Spirit, who is never so designated, but Christ's own human spirit: the higher element of Christ's being in his human life, which was charged with the eternal principle of the divine life. Comp. Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 7:16. This is the key to the doctrine of Christ's sacrifice. The significance and value of his atonement lie in the personal quality and motive of Christ himself which are back of the sacrificial act. The offering was the offering of Christ's deepest self - his inmost personality. Therein consists the attraction of the cross, not to the shedding of blood, but to Christ himself. This is Christ's own declaration, John 12:32. “I will draw all men unto me.” Therein consists its potency for men: not in Christ's satisfaction of justice by suffering a legal penalty, but in that the cross is the supreme expression of a divine spirit of love, truth, mercy, brotherhood, faith, ministry, unselfishness, holiness, - a spirit which goes out to men with divine intensity of purpose and yearning to draw them into its own sphere, and to make them partakers of its own eternal quality. This was a fact before the foundation of the world, is a fact today, and will be a fact so long as any life remains unreconciled to God. Atonement is eternal in virtue of the eternal spirit of Christ through which he offered himself to God. [source]
Revelation 2:7 Of the tree [ἐκ ξύλου]
The preposition ἐκ outof occurs one hundred and twenty-seven times in Revelation, and its proper signification is almost universally out of; but this rendering in many of the passages would be so strange and unidiomatic, that the New Testament Revisers have felt themselves able to adopt it only forty-one times out of all that number, and employ of, from, by, with, on, at, because of, by reason of, from among. See, for instance, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:21, Revelation 2:22; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:10; Revelation 8:11; Revelation 9:18; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 16:21. Compare John 3:31; John 4:13, John 6:13, John 6:39, John 6:51; John 8:23, John 8:44; John 9:6; John 11:1; John 12:3, John 12:27, John 12:32; John 17:5. Tree, lit., wood. See on Luke 23:31; see on 1 Peter 2:24. Dean Plumptre notes the fact that, prominent as this symbol had been in the primeval history, it had remained unnoticed in the teaching where we should most have looked for its presence - in that of the Psalmist and Prophets of the Old Testament. Only in the Proverbs of Solomon had it been used, in a sense half allegorical and half mystical (Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 15:4). The revival of the symbol in Revelation is in accordance with the theme of the restitution of all things. “The tree which disappeared with the disappearance of the earthly Paradise, reappears with the reappearance of the heavenly.” To eat of the tree of life expresses participation in the life eternal. The figure of the tree of life appears in all mythologies from India to Scandinavia. The Rabbins and Mohammedans called the vine the probation tree. The Zend Avesta has its tree of life called the Death-Destroyer. It grows by the waters of life, and the drinking of its sap confers immortality. The Hindu tree of life is pictured as growing out of a great seed in the midst of an expanse of water. It has three branches, each crowned with a sun, denoting the three powers of creation, preservation, and renovation after destruction. In another representation Budha sits in meditation under a tree with three branches, each branch having three stems. One of the Babylonian cylinders discovered by Layard, represents three priestesses gathering the fruit of what seems to be a palm-tree with three branches on each side. Athor, the Venus of the Egyptians, appears half-concealed in the branches of the sacred peach-tree, giving to the departed soul the fruit, and the drink of heaven from a vial from which the streams of life descend upon the spirit, a figure at the foot of the tree, like a hawk, with a human head and with hands outstretched. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In the Norse mythology a prominent figure is Igdrasil, the Ash-tree of Existence; its roots in the kingdom of Eels or Death, its trunk reaching to heaven, and its boughs spread over the whole universe. At its foot, in the kingdom of Death, sit three Nornas or Fates, the Past, the Present, and the Future, watering its roots from the sacred well. Compare Revelation 22:2, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 22:19. Virgil, addressing Dante at the completion of the ascent of the Purgatorial Mount, says:“That apple sweet, which through so many branchesThe care of mortals goeth in pursuit of, Today shall put in peace thy hungerings.”“Purgatorio,” xxvii., 115-117. ParadiseSee on Luke 23:43. Omit in the midst of. Παράδεισος Paradise“passes through a series of meanings, each one higher than the last. From any garden of delight, which is its first meaning, it comes to be predominantly applied to the garden of Eden, then to the resting-place of separate souls in joy and felicity, and lastly to the very heaven itself; and we see eminently in it, what we see indeed in so many words, how revealed religion assumes them into her service, and makes them vehicles of far higher truth than any which they knew at first, transforming and transfiguring them, as in this case, from glory to glory” (Trench). [source]

What do the individual words in John 12:32 mean?

And I if I am lifted up from the earth all will draw to Myself
κἀγὼ ἐὰν ὑψωθῶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς πάντας ἑλκύσω πρὸς ἐμαυτόν

κἀγὼ  And  I 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Nominative 1st Person Singular
Root: κἀγώ  
Sense: and I.
ὑψωθῶ  I  am  lifted  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Passive, 1st Person Singular
Root: ὑψόω  
Sense: to lift up on high, to exalt.
γῆς  earth 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: γῆ  
Sense: arable land.
ἑλκύσω  will  draw 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἑλκύω  
Sense: to draw, drag off.
ἐμαυτόν  Myself 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐμαυτοῦ  
Sense: I, me, myself etc.