John 12:33

33 But He was saying this ¹to indicate the kind of death by which He was 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 judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."

33 But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.

34 The crowd then answered Him, "We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?"

35 So Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes.

Cross References

• 1. John 18:32; John 21:19