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)
Jesus' statement, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself," isn't just about his death on the cross, but also his subsequent resurrection and ascension. The "lifting up" signifies not only his suffering but also his glorification and return to the Father, from which he will powerfully draw humanity.
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)
In the immediate context, Jesus is wrestling with the immense suffering He is about to endure, declaring His soul troubled. Yet, He submits to His Father's will, knowing His death is for the glory of God and the judgment of the world. He then pivots to the far-reaching consequence of His impending crucifixion, which will not be an end but a powerful drawing force for all humanity.
Jesus speaks of being 'lifted up' and immediately connects it to drawing all people. What does this phrase truly encompass, and how can the cross, a symbol of suffering, be the source of ultimate attraction?
When Jesus says "if I am lifted up," the primary image is His crucifixion. Yet, the language echoes His previous words and points beyond the cross itself.
More Than Just the Cross
It’s profound to realize that the agony of the cross wasn't just an end; it was the means to His ultimate glory and the power to draw people to Himself. The suffering is inseparable from the victory.
Jesus promises to 'draw all people' to Himself. This isn't a gentle suggestion; it's a powerful, divine attraction. What is this force, and how does it work?
The word Jesus uses for 'draw' (Greek: helkúō) signifies a strong, irresistible pull. It’s not about coercion but an attractive force rooted in divine love and sacrifice.
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A Universal Invitation
Understand the original words
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 point to the profound, universal impact of his death and resurrection, promising to draw people from all nations to himself through the power of the cross and the work of the Holy Spirit.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, cleanses the Temple, and engages in teachings and confrontations during his final week before his crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified outside Jerusalem. This event is central to Christian theology as a sacrifice for sins.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Resurrection
According to Christian belief, Jesus is raised from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, demonstrating his victory over death.
c. 30 AD
The Great Commission
Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading his teachings throughout the world.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Spread of Christianity
Following Jesus' ascension, the disciples begin proclaiming the gospel, leading to the growth of the early Christian church in Jerusalem and beyond.
c. 40-60 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys, establishing Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire, including many Gentile populations.
This verse speaks of a ruler from Judah to whom nations will gather, directly echoing Jesus' promise in John 12:32 that 'all people' will be drawn to Him.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy states that a ruler will arise from Jesse's line who will be an 'ensign to the peoples,' and to him the nations will seek, mirroring how Jesus, 'lifted up,' becomes the center of attraction for all peoples.
John 3:14Jesus directly references the 'lifting up' of the Son of Man, just as Moses lifted the bronze serpent in the wilderness, creating a powerful visual parallel to His own eventual crucifixion and its life-giving power.
Colossians 1:20This passage describes how Christ, through His death on the cross, reconciled all things to God, highlighting the universal drawing power and reconciling work that Jesus speaks of in John 12:32.
Philippians 2:9This text explains that God highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him a name above every name, showing the glorious 'lifting up' that results in universal recognition and drawing all to Himself.
vincentJohn 12:32: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
Be lifted up (ὑψωθῶ)See on John 3:14. The primary reference is to the cross, but there is included a reference to the resurrection and ascension. Bengel says: "In the very cross there was already something tending towards glory." Wyc., enhanced.From the earth (ἐκ τῆς γῆς)Literally, out of the earth.Will draw (ἑλκύσω)See on John 6:44.All men (πάντας)Some high authorities read πάντα, all things.Unto Me (προ…
calvinJohn 12:27-33: "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour."
- Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I into this hour. 28. Father, glorify thy name. Then came a voice from heaven, I have both glorified and will glorify it again. 29. Therefore the multitude, who were there, and heard it, said that it thundered. Others said, An angel spoke to him. 30. Jes…
Jesus' statement, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself," isn't just about his death on the cross, but also his subsequent resurrection and ascension. The "lifting up" signifies not only his suffering but also his glorification and return to the Father, from which he will powerfully draw humanity.
In the immediate context, Jesus is wrestling with the immense suffering He is about to endure, declaring His soul troubled. Yet, He submits to His Father's will, knowing His death is for the glory of God and the judgment of the world. He then pivots to the far-reaching consequence of His impending crucifixion, which will not be an end but a powerful drawing force for all humanity.
In the immediate context, Jesus is wrestling with the immense suffering He is about to endure, declaring His soul troubled. Yet, He submits to His Father's will, knowing His death is for the glory of God and the judgment of the world. He then pivots to the far-reaching consequence of His impending crucifixion, which will not be an end but a powerful drawing force for all humanity.
"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' statement, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself," isn't just about his death on the cross, but also his subsequent resurrection and ascension. The "lifting…
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Last reviewed October 2026