John 12:34

"But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die."

Key Reflection

In first-century Jewish culture, the phrase "signifying by what kind of death he should die" would have resonated deeply due to the expectation and anticipation surrounding the messianic figure prophesied in the Old Testament. John 12:34 suggests that Jesus' words pointed toward his crucifixion, a form of execution reserved for criminals and seen as a curse from God—a stark contrast to the salvific mission he came to fulfill.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 34. We have heard out of the law. Out of the Old Testament; or rather we have been so taught by those who have interpreted the law to us. That Christ. That the Messiah. Abideth for ever. Will remain for ever, or will live for ever. The doctrine of many of them certainly was that the Messiah would not die; that he would reign as a prince for ever over the people. This opinion was founded on such passages of Scripture as these: Ps 110:4, "Thou art a priest for ever;" Da 2:44; 8:13,14. In the interpretation of these passages they had overlooked such places as Isa 53:1-12; nor did they understand how the fact that he would reign for ever could be reconciled with the idea of his death.

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