John 12:27
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Original Language Analysis
Νῦν
Now
G3568
Νῦν
Now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
1 of 23
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχή
soul
G5590
ψυχή
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
3 of 23
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Πάτερ
Father
G3962
Πάτερ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 23
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
σῶσόν
save
G4982
σῶσόν
save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
10 of 23
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτης
G3778
ταύτης
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
cause
G1223
διὰ
cause
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
17 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἦλθον
came I
G2064
ἦλθον
came I
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
19 of 23
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
John 12:23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Isaiah 38:15What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.Matthew 26:42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.John 13:21When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;Luke 22:44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Historical Context
This passage parallels the synoptic Gethsemane accounts (Matt 26:38-39), showing John knew that tradition though recording different details. Jesus' emotional struggle validates the incarnation's reality.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' emotional struggle teach about authentic humanity coexisting with perfect obedience?
- How can we bring honest feelings to God while ultimately submitting to His will?
- In what current struggle do you need to pray, 'for this cause came I unto this hour'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' soul becomes troubled, revealing His full humanity facing death. The Greek 'tarasso' indicates deep agitation, previewing Gethsemane's agony. He asks, 'what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour?'—expressing human shrinking from suffering while affirming divine purpose: 'but for this cause came I unto this hour.' This internal conflict demonstrates Christ's genuine human will submitting to divine will. His transparency models honest prayer that wrestles with God's purposes while ultimately submitting. Perfect obedience doesn't eliminate emotional struggle.