John 12:47 Meaning and Explanation
“And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus does not now judge the one who hears his words and does not believe, for he came not to judge the world but to save it.
What Does John 12:47 Mean?
Echoing his earlier word to Nicodemus, Jesus states the purpose of his coming. He has not arrived as prosecutor; rejection of his words does not bring down an instant verdict. The mission of this hour is rescue.
The heart of Christ toward the world is salvation. He stands toward sinners first as Savior, holding back judgment to leave room for turning and faith. That patience is not indifference, as the next verse makes plain, but it is real: the day of his coming was the day of mercy. It still is, for everyone who hears his words now.
John 12:47 in the Original Language
sozo (σῴζω), 'save' -- to rescue, deliver, and make whole.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 12:47
What does John 12:47 mean?
Jesus does not now judge the one who hears his words and does not believe, for he came not to judge the world but to save it.