New Testament
John 12:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus is indicating a pivotal moment in His life and ministry.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified."
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is indicating a pivotal moment in His life and ministry. The phrase "the hour has come" signifies that the time for His ultimate purpose is at hand. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus often speaks of His hour, which refers to His impending crucifixion and the glorification that would follow through His resurrection. By saying He will be glorified, Jesus is foreshadowing the victory over sin and death that His sacrifice will achieve. This moment is crucial as it marks the transition from His earthly ministry to the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. The glorification of the Son of Man also emphasizes the divine authority and mission of Jesus, highlighting that His suffering is not in vain but leads to a greater glory that will impact all of humanity. This verse invites believers to understand the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope it brings for eternal life. Explore related patience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply John 12:23 to your life
Recognizing that Jesus' glorification came through His sacrifice encourages us to embrace our own challenges with faith. We can find hope in our struggles, knowing that they can lead to growth and deeper understanding of God's purpose in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 12:23 mean?
In John 12:23, Jesus declares that the time has come for Him to be glorified, indicating the beginning of His path toward crucifixion and resurrection. This moment marks a significant transition in His ministry, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.
What is the significance of 'the hour has come' in John 12:23?
The phrase 'the hour has come' signifies a crucial moment in Jesus' mission, indicating that the time for His sacrifice and glorification is at hand. It highlights the divine timing of events leading to His crucifixion and the ultimate victory over sin and death.
What does 'the Son of Man should be glorified' mean in John 12:23?
When Jesus refers to 'the Son of Man should be glorified,' He is foreshadowing His death and resurrection, which will bring about His ultimate glory. This glorification represents the triumph over sin and death, fulfilling His role as the Savior.
How does John 12:23 relate to Jesus' authority?
John 12:23 illustrates Jesus' authority as the Son of Man, as He confidently declares the arrival of His glorification. This moment underscores His divine mission and the significance of His sacrifice in achieving salvation for all.

The Book of John
John 1: The Word Made Flesh and the First Disciples
In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. All things are made by him, and in him is life, and the life is the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. John the Baptist is sent from God to bear witness of the Light. He says he is not the Christ but comes to testify of him. The Word is made flesh and dwells among them, full of grace and truth. John bears witness and says that the one coming after him is preferred before him because he is before him.
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