John 12:30

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπεκρίθη

G611

answered

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

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δι'

G1223

because of

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἐμὲ

G1691

αὕτη

G3778

This

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#10

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

φωνὴ

G5456

voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

#12

γέγονεν

G1096

came

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#13

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#14

δι'

G1223

because of

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#15

ὑμᾶς

G5209

your sakes

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?

Related Resources

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John 12:30

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources