John 12:23
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπεκρίνατο
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίνατο
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
4 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐλήλυθεν
is come
G2064
Ἐλήλυθεν
is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοξασθῇ
should be glorified
G1392
δοξασθῇ
should be glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
11 of 15
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 15
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Isaiah 55:5Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.Isaiah 60:9Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.Mark 14:41And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.Matthew 25:31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Historical Context
The 'Son of Man' title from Daniel 7:13-14 emphasizes Jesus' messianic authority and representative humanity. His glorification encompasses crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cross redefine glory from worldly to heavenly standards?
- What does the timing of Jesus' announcement teach about Gentile inclusion's connection to His death?
- In what ways is suffering the pathway to glory in Christian experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares 'The hour is come' for the Son of Man's glorification. The Greeks' arrival triggers this announcement—their seeking signals the time for Christ's death, which will draw all peoples. His 'hour' throughout John's Gospel meant His passion (2:4; 7:30; 8:20). Now it arrives. Glorification paradoxically occurs through crucifixion—the cross becomes throne, death becomes glory. This redefines glory: not earthly exaltation but sacrificial suffering. The statement answers the Greeks implicitly—they will 'see Jesus' most clearly at the cross, which draws all nations.