King James Version

What Does John 12:34 Mean?

John 12:34 in the King James Version says “The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man ... — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

John 12:34 · KJV


Context

32

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

33

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

34

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

35

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

36

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crowd objects based on their understanding of Messianic permanence from Scripture (Ps 89:36; Is 9:7; Dan 7:14). They reason: if Christ abides forever, how can He die? Their question reveals incomplete understanding—they recognize 'Son of Man' as messianic title but miss suffering servant prophecies (Is 53). Their either/or thinking can't accommodate both eternal reign and atoning death. This demonstrates how partial knowledge creates confusion. They need both first advent (suffering) and second advent (reigning) to resolve the paradox.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish messianic expectation emphasized victorious eternal reign, often overlooking suffering servant passages. The crowd's question reflects this theological blind spot, requiring Jesus to clarify His two comings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does partial biblical knowledge create theological confusion?
  2. What does the crowd's question teach about the necessity of understanding Christ's two advents?
  3. In what areas might your incomplete understanding of Scripture create false dilemmas?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 34

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτῷ2 of 34

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

3 of 34
G3588

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

ὄχλος4 of 34

The people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

Ἡμεῖς5 of 34

We

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἠκούσαμεν6 of 34

have heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐκ7 of 34

out of

G1537

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

τοῦ8 of 34
G3588

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

νόμου9 of 34

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ὅτι10 of 34

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

11 of 34
G3588

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

Χριστὸς12 of 34

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

μένει13 of 34

abideth

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

εἰς14 of 34

for

G1519

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

τὸν15 of 34
G3588

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

αἰῶνα16 of 34

ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

καὶ17 of 34

and

G2532

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

πῶς18 of 34

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

σὺ19 of 34

thou

G4771

thou

λέγεις20 of 34

sayest

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι21 of 34

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δεῖ22 of 34

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

ὑψωθῆναι23 of 34

be lifted up

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

τὸν24 of 34
G3588

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

υἱὸς25 of 34

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ26 of 34
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου27 of 34

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τίς28 of 34

who

G5101

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

ἐστιν29 of 34

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οὗτος30 of 34

this

G3778

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

31 of 34
G3588

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

υἱὸς32 of 34

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ33 of 34
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου34 of 34

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 12:34 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 12:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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