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John 12:33

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 12:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
John 12:33 — American Standard Version

Context — John 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes.
31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
33But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
34The multitude therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
35Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“This he said, etc.] These are the words of the evangelist, interpreting the design of Christ in the above words, thereby signifying what death he should die; the phrase of being lifted up from the earth, not only signified his death, but the kind, or manner of it, that it should be by crucifixion; a person crucified being stretched forth upon a cross, and that erected, was lifted up between earth and heaven.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This he said, signifying what death he should die--that is, "by being lifted up from the earth" on "the accursed tree" (Joh 3:14; Joh 8:28).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“signifying: Joh 18:32, Joh 21:19 John 12:34”
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Related study paths

Read John 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification