John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Original Language Analysis
κἀγὼ
And I
G2504
κἀγὼ
And I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
1 of 10
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 10
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 10
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 #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 10
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Cross References
John 8:28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.John 3:14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.John 6:44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.1 Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.Hebrews 2:9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:Hosea 11:4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion was designed for maximum public shame—elevating victims on crosses along roads. Jesus transforms this symbol of curse (Deuteronomy 21:23) into God's magnet for salvation. The crowd expected a political messiah who would 'lift up' Israel over Rome, not be lifted up to die.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cross, symbol of shame, become the means of glory and salvation?
- Who in your life needs to be drawn to Christ, and how can you point them to the cross?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Christ's double 'if' is not conditional doubt but temporal certainty: when He is 'lifted up' (double meaning: crucifixion and exaltation), He will draw all kinds of people ('all men') to Himself. The Greek 'helkuo' (draw) indicates irresistible divine attraction, not universal salvation. This drawing is selective yet comprehensive—from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The cross becomes both means of execution and instrument of salvation.