Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus declares that his impending death is not a defeat, but the very moment the world's existing power structure, dominated by Satan, will be decisively overthrown and dethroned. This "judgment" means the world's allegiance will begin to shift, and its current ruler will be cast out, paving the way for God's reign.
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is experiencing deep anguish as He contemplates His impending death, a struggle He shares with His disciples. He just heard His Father's voice affirm His mission, but now He declares that His death marks a decisive turning point, a "crisis" where the world's fate and Satan's power will be settled, paving the way for His ultimate triumph and drawing all people to Himself.
Jesus declares 'Now is the judgment of this world.' What does this 'judgment' mean, and why is it happening now?
When Jesus says, 'Now is the judgment of this world,' he's not talking about a future final trial for everyone. Instead, he's pinpointing a decisive moment – a crisis point. Think of it like a critical turning point in a battle or a trial where the verdict becomes clear.
A Verdict is Rendered
This judgment refers to the condemnation of the world's wicked ways and its rejection of God. The world, by choosing darkness over light, by rejecting Jesus, is essentially passing its own sentence. Jesus' upcoming death and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of sin and the price that must be paid for it.
The 'Now' is Crucial
Jesus emphasizes 'now' because his impending sacrifice is the catalyst. It's the event that exposes the world's allegiance to sin and Satan. It's the moment when God's counter-offensive begins, showcasing His hatred for sin and His desire for humanity's redemption. This isn't the final judgment day, but the decisive moment where the world's fate is sealed because of its rejection of God's solution in Christ.
Jesus speaks of the 'prince of this world' being cast out. Who is this ruler, and how is he defeated?
The 'prince of this world' is the title Jesus uses for Satan. He's called this because Satan has held immense influence and power over humanity, ruling through sin and deception, essentially blinding people to God's truth.
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The Battle is Joined
Jesus' death isn't just about judgment; it's about actively overthrowing Satan's kingdom. The phrase 'cast out' suggests a forceful expulsion, a dethroning. Satan's power was largely based on humanity's sin and God's righteous judgment against it. By facing and absorbing that judgment himself, Jesus breaks the power sin and death held over people.
A Victory Unfolding
While Satan is decisively defeated at the cross, his 'casting out' is also a progressive reality. It happens as individuals turn from darkness to light, as the Gospel spreads, and as believers live in the freedom Christ provides. The victory is won, even as the outworking of that victory continues throughout history until Christ's final return.
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.
hypsōō · Greek Verb
Used by Jesus as a double-entendre referring to his crucifixion (being physically raised on the cross) and his subsequent glorification (exaltation to the Father).
Jesus declares that His impending death is not a defeat, but the decisive moment when the world's false values are judged and Satan's dominion is broken. His 'lifting up' on the cross will be the means by which He draws all people to Himself and establishes God's kingdom.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by crowds as a king. This public demonstration, occurring just before Passover, signals Jesus' awareness of his impending fate and the turning point in his ministry.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Clears the Temple Courts
Shortly after his entry, Jesus confronts merchants and money changers in the temple. This act of righteous anger and disruption further escalates tensions with religious authorities.
c. 30 AD
Greeks Seek to See Jesus
A delegation of Gentiles, likely proselytes to Judaism, approach Philip and Andrew with a desire to meet Jesus. This encounter is interpreted by Jesus as a sign of the approaching 'hour' for His glorification and a foretaste of His mission to the world.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Speaks of His Death and Glorification
In response to the Greeks' request and the heavenly voice, Jesus predicts His impending death, equating it with His glorification and the drawing of all people to Himself. This is the immediate context for His declaration about the judgment of the world and the casting out of its ruler.
c. 30 AD
Jesus is Arrested
Following His discourse and prayer, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by temple guards in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. 30 AD
Jesus is Crucified
Jesus is condemned and crucified outside Jerusalem. His death is seen as the pivotal moment of judgment on the world's sin and the decisive defeat of Satan's power.
c. 30 AD
Resurrection and Ascension
After three days, Jesus is raised from the dead, appearing to His followers over a period of forty days before ascending into heaven. This confirms His victory and empowers His disciples to spread His message.
This verse is seen as the first promise of victory over the 'prince of this world,' foretelling a conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent, with a decisive blow to be struck.
Luke 10:18Jesus states, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven,' which directly echoes the idea of the 'prince of this world' being cast down, highlighting an immediate spiritual defeat.
Colossians 2:15This passage describes Christ disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities, publicly displaying their defeat through the cross, which aligns with the 'prince of this world' being cast out.
1 John 3:8John the Baptist states that Jesus appeared to destroy the works of the devil, directly correlating with the crushing of Satan's power and his being cast out of his dominion.
Revelation 12:9-10This passage graphically depicts Satan, the ancient serpent, being thrown down to earth, confirming the fulfillment of his expulsion from his position of authority and his 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 declares that his impending death is not a defeat, but the very moment the world's existing power structure, dominated by Satan, will be decisively overthrown and dethroned. This "judgment" means the world's allegiance will begin to shift, and its current ruler will be cast out, paving the way for God's reign.
Jesus is experiencing deep anguish as He contemplates His impending death, a struggle He shares with His disciples. He just heard His Father's voice affirm His mission, but now He declares that His death marks a decisive turning point, a "crisis" where the world's fate and Satan's power will be settled, paving the way for His ultimate triumph and drawing all people to Himself.
Jesus is experiencing deep anguish as He contemplates His impending death, a struggle He shares with His disciples. He just heard His Father's voice affirm His mission, but now He declares that His death marks a decisive turning point, a "crisis" where the world's fate and Satan's power will be settled, paving the way for His ultimate triumph and drawing all people to Himself.
"Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”" — Jesus declares that his impending death is not a defeat, but the very moment the world's existing power structure, dominated by Satan, will be decisively overthrown and dethroned. This "judgment" mea…
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Last reviewed October 2026