King James Version

What Does John 13:32 Mean?

John 13:32 in the King James Version says “If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.”

John 13:32 · KJV

Context

30

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

31

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32

If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

33

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself (εἰ ὁ θεὸς ἐδοξάσθη ἐν αὐτῷ, καὶ ὁ θεὸς δοξάσει αὐτὸν ἐν ἑαυτῷ)—the conditional 'if' assumes reality ('since God is glorified'). The future tense doxasei (shall glorify) points to the resurrection and ascension. In himself (ἐν ἑαυτῷ, en heautō) means God will glorify Christ not through external circumstances but by elevating Him to God's own glory, sharing the divine throne (Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:3).

And shall straightway glorify him (εὐθὺς δοξάσει αὐτόν)—euthys (immediately, straightway) again. The cross leads directly to resurrection (three days) and ascension (forty days). No delay between humiliation and exaltation. Jesus's glorification was certain and imminent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish expectation of Messiah focused on earthly, political triumph. Jesus radically redefines messianic glorification: suffering precedes glory (Luke 24:26), and glory comes through resurrection, not military conquest. Within seven weeks of this statement, Jesus would be seated at the Father's right hand (Acts 2:33), the ultimate vindication and glorification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's immediate glorification after suffering encourage believers facing present trials (Romans 8:17-18)?
  2. What does it mean that the Father glorifies the Son 'in himself'—sharing divine glory?
  3. How should the certainty of future glorification shape your present obedience to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εἰ1 of 17

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ὁ2 of 17
G3588

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

θεὸς3 of 17

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δοξάσει4 of 17

“be glorified”

G1392

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

ἐν5 of 17

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτόν6 of 17

“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

καὶ7 of 17

“also”

G2532

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

ὁ8 of 17
G3588

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

θεὸς9 of 17

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δοξάσει10 of 17

“be glorified”

G1392

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

αὐτόν11 of 17

“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

ἐν12 of 17

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτῷ,13 of 17

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ14 of 17

“also”

G2532

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

εὐθὺς15 of 17

“straightway”

G2117

straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once

δοξάσει16 of 17

“be glorified”

G1392

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

αὐτόν17 of 17

“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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 22:1Revelation 22:3John 17:1John 17:4-6Isaiah 53:10-12John 12:23

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