King James Version

What Does John 12:16 Mean?

John 12:16 in the King James Version says “These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these th... — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

John 12:16 · KJV


Context

14

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon ; as it is written,

15

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

16

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

17

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

18

For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples didn't understand these events initially but comprehended after Jesus' glorification (resurrection and ascension). The Holy Spirit's post-Pentecost illumination enabled them to connect Jesus' actions with Scripture. This demonstrates the principle that understanding follows event; interpretation requires Spirit-given insight. Their later remembrance that 'these things were written of him' shows how the Spirit illuminates Scripture's Christ-centered nature. This validates the necessity of regeneration and Spirit-baptism for properly understanding God's word.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John writes retrospectively, acknowledging the disciples' initial incomprehension. This honesty validates the account's authenticity—fabricated stories wouldn't include disciples' ignorance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the disciples' delayed understanding teach about spiritual illumination's necessity?
  2. How does the Spirit's ministry help us recognize Christ in Scripture?
  3. In what ways has your understanding of Jesus' actions deepened over time?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ταῦτα1 of 26

These things

G5023

these things

δὲ2 of 26
G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ3 of 26

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔγνωσαν4 of 26

understood

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

οἱ5 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ6 of 26

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῷ7 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸ8 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρῶτον9 of 26
G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἀλλ'10 of 26

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὅτε11 of 26

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐδοξάσθη12 of 26

was glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

13 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς14 of 26

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τότε15 of 26

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἐμνήσθησαν16 of 26

remembered they

G3415

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

ὅτι17 of 26

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ταῦτα18 of 26

These things

G5023

these things

ἦν19 of 26

were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐπ'20 of 26

of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῷ21 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γεγραμμένα22 of 26

written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

καὶ23 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ταῦτα24 of 26

These things

G5023

these things

ἐποίησαν25 of 26

that they had done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτῷ26 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 12:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 12:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study