John 12:21
The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτοι
The same
G3778
οὗτοι
The same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 18
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 18
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
προσῆλθον
came
G4334
προσῆλθον
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
3 of 18
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
Φιλίππῳ
to Philip
G5376
Φιλίππῳ
to Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
4 of 18
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
which was of
G575
ἀπὸ
which was of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
9 of 18
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 18
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Sir
G2962
Κύριε
Sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
θέλομεν
we would
G2309
θέλομεν
we would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
15 of 18
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Bethsaida was on the Sea of Galilee's northern shore in a heavily Hellenized region, explaining Philip's Greek name and cultural fluency. Approaching through an intermediary was culturally appropriate.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'we would see Jesus' teach about authentic spiritual hunger?
- How does Philip's bridging role model Christian evangelism?
- Who is God calling you to connect with Jesus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Greeks approach Philip, possibly because his Greek name and Bethsaida's Gentile population made him accessible. Their request 'we would see Jesus' models appropriate spiritual hunger—direct, humble seeking. The verb 'see' may mean more than physical sight; possibly fellowship or instruction. Their approach through Philip shows cultural sensitivity and proper protocol. This demonstrates that genuine seeking finds access to Christ. Philip's role as bridge between Greeks and Jesus previews the church's missionary role—connecting seekers with the Savior.