John 12:33

33 He said this to signify what kind of death He was about to die.

John 12:33 Meaning and Commentary

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 earth, not only signified his death, but the kind, or manner of it, that it should be by crucifixion; a person crucified being stretched forth upon a cross, and that erected, was lifted up between earth and heaven.

John 12:33 In-Context

31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

32 As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all [people] to Myself."

33 He said this to signify what kind of death He was about to die.

34 Then the crowd replied to Him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?"

35 Jesus answered, "The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn't overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn't know where he's going.