John 12:31-33
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.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus uses "now" twice here to emphasize that His impending death isn't a defeat, but the decisive moment when Satan's reign over humanity is broken and the world's true state is revealed. It's the turning point where judgment on sin leads to Satan's dethronement, making way for God's kingdom.
Jesus is speaking moments after a divine voice confirms His identity, a moment filled with both intense human emotion and cosmic significance. He acknowledges His soul is troubled by the coming hour, but immediately pivots to the ultimate purpose of His arrival: not to judge, but to save. This declaration of judgment and the dethroning of Satan marks the decisive turning point for the world, initiated by His impending death and resurrection.
Jesus declares 'Now is the judgment of this world.' What kind of judgment is this, and why is it happening 'now'?
The word 'judgment' here, often translated from the Greek 'krisis,' doesn't refer to a final, future verdict. Instead, it signifies a crucial turning point, a moment of decision or crisis.
Jesus calls Satan the 'ruler of this world.' How is this ruler 'cast out,' and what does that mean for us today?
The title 'prince of this world' (or 'ruler of this world') was a common way to refer to Satan, acknowledging his significant influence and authority over humanity's fallen systems and sinful desires.
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' words here, spoken in the final days of His earthly ministry, frame His impending crucifixion not as a defeat, but as the decisive moment God intervenes to judge the world's rebellion and dethrone Satan's influence.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, teaches in the Temple, and encounters Greeks who wish to see Him. This marks the final days of His earthly ministry leading up to His crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
The Triumphal Entry
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by crowds as a king. This event fulfills prophecy and intensifies the religious and political tensions with the authorities.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Clears the Temple
Jesus drives out money changers and merchants from the Temple courts, asserting His authority and protesting the commercialization of the holy site.
c. 30 AD
Encounter with Greeks
A delegation of Greeks approaches Philip and Andrew, expressing a desire to see Jesus. This event signifies the growing interest of Gentiles in Jesus and foreshadows the inclusion of all nations.
This passage is seen as the very first prophecy of Christ's victory over Satan, foretelling the crushing of the serpent's head through the woman's seed, directly paralleling the 'casting out' of the prince of this world.
Colossians 1:13This verse highlights the 'transfer' of believers from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of God's beloved Son, which is a direct consequence of the judgment and dethroning of the ruler of this world.
Hebrews 2:14This passage explains that Christ took on flesh and blood specifically 'that through death he might destroy the one who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,' echoing the casting out of Satan mentioned in John 12:31.
1 John 3:8This verse directly states that 'the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil,' aligning perfectly with Jesus' declaration that the prince of this world would be cast out.
Revelation 12:10This passage in Revelation describes a great proclamation in heaven that 'the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down,' which serves as a powerful confirmation of the victory over Satan that Jesus proclaimed as happening 'now' in John 12:31.
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 uses "now" twice here to emphasize that His impending death isn't a defeat, but the decisive moment when Satan's reign over humanity is broken and the world's true state is revealed. It's the turning point where judgment on sin leads to Satan's dethronement, making way for God's kingdom.
Jesus is speaking moments after a divine voice confirms His identity, a moment filled with both intense human emotion and cosmic significance. He acknowledges His soul is troubled by the coming hour, but immediately pivots to the ultimate purpose of His arrival: not to judge, but to save. This declaration of judgment and the dethroning of Satan marks the decisive turning point for the world, initiated by His impending death and resurrection.
Jesus is speaking moments after a divine voice confirms His identity, a moment filled with both intense human emotion and cosmic significance. He acknowledges His soul is troubled by the coming hour, but immediately pivots to the ultimate purpose of His arrival: not to judge, but to save. This declaration of judgment and the dethroning of Satan marks the decisive turning point for the world, initiated by His impending death and resurrection.
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c. 30 AD
Jesus Predicts His Death
In response to the Greeks' request and the heavenly voice, Jesus speaks of His impending death and resurrection, emphasizing that His 'lifting up' will draw all people to Him.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Agony in the Garden
Jesus prays intensely in the Garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with the immense suffering and the weight of sin He is about to bear. This moment highlights His human struggle and ultimate submission to the Father's will.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified on Golgotha. This pivotal event is seen as the ultimate act of judgment on the world's sin and the decisive moment for Satan's defeat.
"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.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die." — Jesus uses "now" twice here to emphasize that His impending death isn't a defeat, but the decisive moment when Satan's reign over humanity is broken and the world's true state is revealed. It's the t…
