John 12:48
He 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀθετῶν
He that rejecteth
G114
ἀθετῶν
He that rejecteth
Strong's:
G114
Word #:
2 of 24
to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 24
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 #:
5 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
λαμβάνων
receiveth
G2983
λαμβάνων
receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
6 of 24
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματά
words
G4487
ῥήματά
words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
8 of 24
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 24
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 24
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
15 of 24
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ὃν
that
G3739
ὃν
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐκεῖνος
the same
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
the same
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
18 of 24
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 24
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 10:16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.John 11:24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.2 Thessalonians 1:8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;Isaiah 53:3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.Matthew 21:42Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.Matthew 25:31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Historical Context
The 'last day' was common Jewish terminology for final resurrection and judgment. Jesus uses it consistently (6:39-40, 44, 54; 11:24). His teaching will serve as standard at that judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's word serve as both potential salvation and certain judgment?
- What does this teach about Scripture's enduring authority?
- In what ways does your response to God's word determine your eternal destiny?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Those rejecting Jesus and His words have 'one that judgeth'—the word itself judges them at the last day. God's word becomes either savior or judge depending on response. The rejected message becomes accusation. This demonstrates Scripture's authority: God's word doesn't return void (Is 55:11) but accomplishes judgment or salvation. The 'last day' refers to final judgment when all accounts settle. Jesus' words, now rejected, will then condemn. This underscores the seriousness of rejecting divine revelation.