John 12:18
For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
cause
G1223
διὰ
cause
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπήντησεν
met
G5221
ὑπήντησεν
met
Strong's:
G5221
Word #:
4 of 14
to go opposite (meet) under (quietly), i.e., to encounter, fall in with
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 14
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
the people
G3793
ὄχλος
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
7 of 14
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ὅτι
for that
G3754
ὅτι
for that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 14
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
πεποιηκέναι
he had done
G4160
πεποιηκέναι
he had done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Historical Context
News of Lazarus' resurrection weeks earlier had time to spread throughout Judea and among arriving pilgrims. The miracle's proximity to Jerusalem ensured widespread knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- How do miracles serve evangelistic purposes while not guaranteeing genuine conversion?
- What's the difference between miracle-motivated interest and authentic faith?
- Do you follow Jesus for who He is or primarily for what He does?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The crowds met Jesus because they heard of the Lazarus miracle. The Greek construction emphasizes causality—the miracle caused the crowd's response. This demonstrates signs' evangelistic purpose: authenticating Jesus' divine mission and drawing people to Him. However, miracle-motivated crowds prove fickle (6:26)—they seek spectacle, not salvation. The miracle's fame spreads but doesn't guarantee genuine conversion. This warns against equating popularity with authentic spiritual movement. True disciples follow for who Jesus is, not merely what He does.