John 12:47
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐάν
G1437
ἐάν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥημάτων
words
G4487
ῥημάτων
words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
7 of 26
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πιστεύσῃ,
believe
G4100
πιστεύσῃ,
believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
10 of 26
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 26
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
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἦλθον
I came
G2064
ἦλθον
I came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
17 of 26
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
the world
G2889
κόσμον
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
21 of 26
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
22 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
σώσω
save
G4982
σώσω
save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
24 of 26
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
John 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.John 12:48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.1 John 4:14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.Luke 19:10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Historical Context
Jesus consistently distinguished His two comings—first as suffering servant (Is 53), second as judging king (Rev 19). This distinction explained why He didn't establish immediate political kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Christ's two advents clarify His first coming's purpose?
- What does this teach about the current age as grace period before judgment?
- In what ways are you seizing the opportunity of grace before judgment comes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares He came not to judge but to save the world, defining His first advent's purpose. The Greek verb 'krino' (judge) refers to condemnation, not discernment. His mission is salvific, not punitive—judgment comes at second advent. This grace period offers salvation freely. However, those rejecting Him judge themselves (v. 48). Christ's presence forces decision: acceptance brings salvation, rejection brings condemnation. The distinction between first advent (grace) and second advent (judgment) is crucial. This grace period won't last forever.