Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just talking about his future death; he's declaring that the moment of decision, the "crisis," for the world and Satan's dominion, is now. His impending crucifixion will be the decisive battle that dethrones Satan, even though the full effects will unfold over time.
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is facing his impending death, and even feels his soul troubled, yet he knows this suffering is for a divine purpose. He's declaring that this moment, though filled with sorrow, marks a decisive turning point where the world's rebellion will be judged and Satan's power decisively broken. His crucifixion, which is about to happen, will not be a defeat but the ultimate victory that draws all people to himself.
Jesus declares that his impending death isn't just a tragedy; it's a turning point. What does 'judgment of this world' really mean?
When Jesus says, 'Now is the judgment of this world,' he’s speaking of a pivotal moment – a crisis. This isn't about a future, final judgment, but about the decisive battle for the world's allegiance.
A Cosmic Turning Point
Jesus directly names the enemy and declares his impending defeat. Who is this 'prince of this world,' and how is he 'cast out'?
The 'prince of this world' is a title used for Satan, the adversary who has held immense influence over humanity. Jesus’ death is the decisive event that begins his dethroning.
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Satan's Downfall
Understand the original words
krisis · Greek Noun
A legal or moral decision, verdict, or separation that brings condemnation or vindication; in the New Testament, it often refers to God's ultimate decision regarding humanity's relationship with Him.
archōn tou kosmou · Greek Noun
A title or description for the devil, indicating his temporary, usurped authority over the fallen world system that operates in opposition to God's kingdom.
ekballō · Greek Verb
To be expelled, cast out, or thrown away with force; in this context, it signifies the defeat and loss of the devil's authority over humanity.
These words, spoken in the shadow of Jesus' impending crucifixion, frame his death not as a defeat but as the decisive turning point where Satan's power is broken and God's reign is established.
c. 33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, cleanses the temple, and teaches in the temple courts during his last week.
c. 33 AD
The Greeks Seek Jesus
Gentile pilgrims ask to see Jesus, a significant moment foreshadowing the inclusion of non-Jews in God's plan.
c. 33 AD
Voice from Heaven
A voice from heaven declares God's glory and promises further glorification, which the crowd interprets in various ways.
c. 33 AD
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus speaks of being 'lifted up' from the earth, signifying his impending crucifixion and drawing all people to himself.
c. 33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified on Golgotha outside Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecies and his own predictions.
c. 33 AD
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead, confirming his victory over sin and death.
This verse is seen as a foundational prophecy of the conflict between humanity and the serpent, directly echoed in Jesus' declaration that the 'ruler of this world' will be cast out. It highlights the ancient promise of redemption through a descendant who will overcome the adversary.
Colossians 1:13-14This passage speaks of God rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and transferring us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. It parallels John 12:31 by describing the liberation from spiritual darkness and the dethroning of a dark power.
Hebrews 2:14-15This text explains that Jesus shared in human nature so that by His death He might destroy the one who holds the power of death, namely the devil, and free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death. This directly supports the idea of the 'prince of this world' being cast out through Christ's sacrificial death.
1 John 3:8John the Apostle directly states that the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil. This verse offers a clear theological statement that aligns with the 'casting out' of the world's ruler mentioned in John 12:31, emphasizing Jesus' mission to dismantle Satan's influence.
Revelation 12:10-11This passage describes a great voice in heaven proclaiming that the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down. This prophetic vision of Satan's defeat and expulsion resonates with Jesus' confident declaration in John 12:31 about the ruler of this world being cast out.
barnesJohn 12:31: "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out."
Now is the judgment of this world - Greek: "crisis." This expression, doubtless, has reference to his approaching death, and whatever he means by judgment here relates to something that was to be accomplished by that death. It cannot mean that then was to be the time in which the world was to be finally judged, for he says that he did not come then to judge the world John 12:47 ; John 8:15 , and he…
vincentJohn 12:31: "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out."
The prince of this world (ὁ ἄρχων ροῦ κόσμου τούτου)The phrase occurs only in the Gospel; here, John 14:30; John 16:11.Shall be cast out (ἐκβληθήσεται ἔξω)In every case but one where the word ἐκβάλλω occurs in John, it is used of casting out from a holy place or society. See John 2:15; John 9:34, John 9:3; 3 John 1:10; Revelation 12:2. Compare John 10:4.
Jesus isn't just talking about his future death; he's declaring that the moment of decision, the "crisis," for the world and Satan's dominion, is now. His impending crucifixion will be the decisive battle that dethrones Satan, even though the full effects will unfold over time.
Jesus is facing his impending death, and even feels his soul troubled, yet he knows this suffering is for a divine purpose. He's declaring that this moment, though filled with sorrow, marks a decisive turning point where the world's rebellion will be judged and Satan's power decisively broken. His crucifixion, which is about to happen, will not be a defeat but the ultimate victory that draws all people to himself.
Jesus is facing his impending death, and even feels his soul troubled, yet he knows this suffering is for a divine purpose. He's declaring that this moment, though filled with sorrow, marks a decisive turning point where the world's rebellion will be judged and Satan's power decisively broken. His crucifixion, which is about to happen, will not be a defeat but the ultimate victory that draws all people to himself.
"Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out." — Jesus isn't just talking about his future death; he's declaring that the moment of decision, the "crisis," for the world and Satan's dominion, is now. His impending crucifixion will be the decisive…
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Last reviewed October 2026