John 12:41
These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Original Language Analysis
εἶδεν
he saw
G1492
εἶδεν
he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
7 of 12
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Acts 10:43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Isaiah 6 describes the prophet's vision of the LORD enthroned in glory. John's identification of this LORD as Jesus establishes Christ's deity and equality with the Father, countering early Christological heresies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's interpretation demonstrate Christ's eternal deity and pre-existence?
- What does Isaiah seeing Christ's glory teach about Old Testament Christophanies?
- In what ways does progressive revelation help us understand Old Testament theophanies as Christ-encounters?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John explains Isaiah saw 'his glory' (Christ's glory) and spoke of Him, equating Jesus with the LORD of Isaiah 6. This high Christology identifies Jesus as YHWH whom Isaiah saw enthroned in the temple. The prophets saw Christ's glory pre-incarnation, establishing His eternal deity. This demonstrates the Trinity: Isaiah saw the Son's glory while hearing the Father's voice. The connection proves Jesus' pre-existence and deity. Isaiah's vision of divine glory was specifically Christ's glory, though unveiled only in retrospect through New Testament revelation.