John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
the ground
G1093
γῆν
the ground
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
14 of 24
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
αὐτὸς
it
G846
αὐτὸς
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 24
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
μένει·
abideth
G3306
μένει·
abideth
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
18 of 24
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
19 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
πολὺν
much
G4183
πολὺν
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
22 of 24
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Historical Context
Agricultural metaphors resonated in first-century agrarian society. The grain-death-life cycle was observable reality illustrating spiritual truth. This principle appears throughout Scripture (1 Cor 15:36).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the grain metaphor explain the necessity of Christ's death for salvation's harvest?
- What does this teach about death to self as prerequisite for spiritual fruitfulness?
- In what areas is God calling you to 'die' so greater fruit can emerge?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus employs grain metaphor: unless wheat falls into ground and dies, it remains alone; dying produces much fruit. This agricultural image explains substitutionary atonement—His death produces spiritual harvest. The grain must die, be buried, and germinate to multiply. Christ's death appears as loss but yields abundant life. This principle applies universally: death precedes resurrection, sacrifice precedes fruitfulness, suffering precedes glory. The metaphor directly answers the Greeks—through Jesus' death, countless Gentiles will believe. Fruitfulness requires death to self.