John 12:30
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 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)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δι'
because of
G1223
δι'
because of
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὕτη
This
G3778
αὕτη
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνὴ
voice
G5456
φωνὴ
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
11 of 15
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
γέγονεν
came
G1096
γέγονεν
came
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Historical Context
Jesus consistently sought not His own glory but the Father's (7:18). His clarification that the voice served the crowd demonstrates this consistent pattern of deflecting glory to God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' clarification model using divine affirmation to serve others rather than self?
- What does this teach about the purpose of spiritual experiences—self-confirmation or witness to others?
- How can you use God's work in your life to authenticate the gospel to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus clarifies the voice came not for His benefit but theirs—He needed no confirmation but they needed testimony. This demonstrates Christ's other-centered ministry even in personal crisis. The divine voice serves pedagogical purpose: authenticating Jesus before witnesses. Jesus consistently points beyond Himself to the Father, even when receiving direct divine affirmation. This models humble ministry that uses divine confirmation to serve others rather than self-aggrandizement. The voice joins other witnesses to Jesus' divine sonship (John 5:31-40).