John 12:28
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Original Language Analysis
πάτερ
Father
G3962
πάτερ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
1 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
δοξάσω
glorified
G1392
δοξάσω
glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
2 of 16
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
5 of 16
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ἦλθεν
came there
G2064
ἦλθεν
came there
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
φωνὴ
a voice
G5456
φωνὴ
a voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
8 of 16
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 16
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
both
G2532
καὶ
both
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοξάσω
glorified
G1392
δοξάσω
glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
13 of 16
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
καὶ
both
G2532
καὶ
both
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
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.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.2 Peter 1:17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,Ephesians 3:21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.Ephesians 2:7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.Mark 1:11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Mark 14:36And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.Mark 9:7And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Historical Context
Audible divine voices occurred at Jesus' baptism (Matt 3:17) and transfiguration (Matt 17:5). These theophanic moments publicly authenticated Jesus' mission at strategic points. The crowd's hearing provides multiple witnesses.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' prayer 'glorify thy name' model proper priority in conflicted decisions?
- What does the Father's response teach about how Christ's suffering glorifies God?
- In what ways can you prioritize God's glory over personal comfort?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus resolves His struggle: 'Father, glorify thy name,' prioritizing God's glory over personal comfort. The Father's audible response affirms both past glorification (through Jesus' ministry) and future glorification (through the cross). This divine voice publicly authenticates Jesus' mission at this crucial moment. The Father's 'I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again' spans Christ's entire ministry—past signs and future sacrifice both glorify God. The audible voice serves the crowd (v. 30), not Jesus, providing testimony to His divine sonship.