John 12:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἔγνωσαν
understood
G1097
ἔγνωσαν
understood
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
4 of 26
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 26
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐδοξάσθη
was glorified
G1392
ἐδοξάσθη
was glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
12 of 26
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
14 of 26
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
15 of 26
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐμνήσθησαν
remembered they
G3415
ἐμνήσθησαν
remembered they
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
16 of 26
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
17 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπ'
of
G1909
ἐπ'
of
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
20 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 26
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
γεγραμμένα
written
G1125
γεγραμμένα
written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
22 of 26
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 2:22When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.John 7:39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)John 12:23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.Acts 2:36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.Luke 24:45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,Hebrews 8:1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Acts 2:33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.Acts 3:13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
Historical Context
John writes retrospectively, acknowledging the disciples' initial incomprehension. This honesty validates the account's authenticity—fabricated stories wouldn't include disciples' ignorance.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the disciples' delayed understanding teach about spiritual illumination's necessity?
- How does the Spirit's ministry help us recognize Christ in Scripture?
- In what ways has your understanding of Jesus' actions deepened over time?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.