King James Version

What Does John 12:27 Mean?

John 12:27 in the King James Version says “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 12:27 · KJV


Context

25

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

27

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

29

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered : others said, An angel spake to him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' soul becomes troubled, revealing His full humanity facing death. The Greek 'tarasso' indicates deep agitation, previewing Gethsemane's agony. He asks, 'what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour?'—expressing human shrinking from suffering while affirming divine purpose: 'but for this cause came I unto this hour.' This internal conflict demonstrates Christ's genuine human will submitting to divine will. His transparency models honest prayer that wrestles with God's purposes while ultimately submitting. Perfect obedience doesn't eliminate emotional struggle.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage parallels the synoptic Gethsemane accounts (Matt 26:38-39), showing John knew that tradition though recording different details. Jesus' emotional struggle validates the incarnation's reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' emotional struggle teach about authentic humanity coexisting with perfect obedience?
  2. How can we bring honest feelings to God while ultimately submitting to His will?
  3. In what current struggle do you need to pray, 'for this cause came I unto this hour'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Νῦν1 of 23

Now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

2 of 23
G3588

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

ψυχή3 of 23

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου4 of 23

my

G3450

of me

τετάρακται5 of 23

is

G5015

to stir or agitate (roil water)

καὶ6 of 23

and

G2532

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

τί7 of 23

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

εἴπω8 of 23

shall I say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πάτερ9 of 23

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

σῶσόν10 of 23

save

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

με11 of 23

me

G3165

me

ἐκ12 of 23

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς13 of 23
G3588

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

ὥραν14 of 23

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ταύτης15 of 23
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἀλλὰ16 of 23

but

G235

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

διὰ17 of 23

cause

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο18 of 23

for this

G5124

that thing

ἦλθον19 of 23

came I

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς20 of 23

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν21 of 23
G3588

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

ὥραν22 of 23

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ταύτην23 of 23
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)


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 12:27 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 12:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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