John 12:19
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
3 of 17
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἑαυτούς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτούς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 17
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Θεωρεῖτε
Perceive ye
G2334
Θεωρεῖτε
Perceive ye
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
7 of 17
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
ὅτι
how
G3754
ὅτι
how
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐδέν·
G3762
οὐδέν·
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
11 of 17
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἴδε
G1492
ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
12 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
14 of 17
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ὀπίσω
after
G3694
ὀπίσω
after
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
15 of 17
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
Cross References
Acts 17:6And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;Psalms 22:27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.John 3:26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
Historical Context
The Pharisees' statement reflects genuine political concern—Rome crushed popular movements brutally. Their theological opposition combined with pragmatic fear of losing influence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's enemies unwittingly speak His truth in their opposition?
- What does the Pharisees' frustration teach about attempting to control God's purposes?
- In what ways has God used opposition to advance His kingdom in your experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees despair: 'the world is gone after him,' revealing their loss of control. Their hyperbolic 'world' expresses frustration, yet prophetically anticipates Gentile inclusion in Christ's church. What they speak in frustration, God speaks in promise. Their statement ironically fulfills divine purpose—Jesus came precisely so the world might believe (3:16). Their perception of failure marks God's success. This demonstrates how opponents unwittingly prophesy truth while attempting to oppose it. The phrase previews the Great Commission's worldwide scope.