Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 12:33-34

"But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die. The multitude therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?" — John 12:33-34 (ASV)

This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him,

As they were always doing, capaciously answering; not answering to him with sentiments that responded to his, but replying against him with their caviling.