John 12:20
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
Original Language Analysis
Ἕλληνές
Greeks
G1672
Ἕλληνές
Greeks
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
4 of 12
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
ἐκ
among
G1537
ἐκ
among
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
G4352
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
9 of 12
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
Cross References
John 7:35Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?Acts 17:4And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.Isaiah 11:10And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.Acts 8:27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,Mark 7:26The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
Historical Context
God-fearers were Gentiles who attended synagogue and observed some Jewish practices without full conversion. Their access to temple courts was limited to the outer court (Court of Gentiles).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Greeks' arrival demonstrate the gospel's universal scope?
- What does their seeking Jesus teach about the Spirit drawing all nations?
- In what ways does Jesus' death accomplish what His life ministry didn't—Gentile inclusion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Greeks come to Jerusalem to worship, fulfilling the Pharisees' unwitting prophecy that 'the world' follows Jesus. These Greeks were likely God-fearing Gentiles attracted to Jewish monotheism, permitted to worship in the outer court. Their seeking Jesus marks the gospel's movement toward Gentile inclusion. John introduces them immediately after the Pharisees' 'world' comment, showing divine irony. Their presence signals that Jesus' hour has come—His death will draw all peoples (v. 32). The gospel transcends ethnic boundaries, fulfilling Abrahamic covenant promises.