John 3:14
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
3 of 16
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄφιν
the serpent
G3789
ὄφιν
the serpent
Strong's:
G3789
Word #:
6 of 16
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμῳ
the wilderness
G2048
ἐρήμῳ
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
9 of 16
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
12 of 16
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
the Son
G5207
υἱὸν
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
14 of 16
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
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.Matthew 26:54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?Acts 2:23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:Psalms 22:16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.2 Kings 18:4He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.Luke 24:20And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus at night, and this reference to a wilderness event resonated with Jewish teachers who studied these types. The bronze serpent was later destroyed by Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4) when Israelites began worshiping it, showing even legitimate religious symbols can become idols.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding the cross as God's appointed remedy for sin deepen your appreciation of Christ's sacrifice?
- What keeps people from 'looking' to Christ in faith for salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus connects His coming crucifixion to Numbers 21:4-9 where a bronze serpent on a pole brought healing to snake-bitten Israelites who looked in faith. The typology is precise: the serpent (symbol of sin) was lifted up, as Christ became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Looking to Christ crucified brings spiritual healing. The word 'must' indicates divine necessity—the cross was no accident but God's sovereign plan.