John 12:33

33 He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death.

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 At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out.

32 And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me."

33 He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death.

34 Voices from the crowd answered, "We heard from God's Law that the Messiah lasts forever. How can it be necessary, as you put it, that the Son of Man 'be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"

35 Jesus said, "For a brief time still, the light is among you. Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn't destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you don't know where you're going.