Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:33

"But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die." — John 12:33 (ASV)

The preposition “from” (GK 1666) means “out from” rather than “away from.” It connotes not only being lifted or suspended above the earth, as on a cross, but also being brought up out of the earth. Jesus had in mind not only the fact that he would be elevated on the cross but also that he would be exalted by the Resurrection (8:28; 12:32, 34). Elsewhere in the NT the verb “lifted up” does mean “exalt” (GK 5738). Thus, it lends itself well to the double meaning of the method of death as specifically stated here and the exaltation to spiritual sovereignty as described in apostolic preaching (Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31).

“All men” does not imply that everyone will ultimately be saved; instead, it means that Christ draws people to himself indiscriminately, without regard to nationality, race, or status. Jesus’ utterance was prompted by the presence of the Greek Gentiles (v.20) and should be evaluated in that context. Note that there is a clear differentiation between believers and unbelievers, between the saved and the lost, in John’s writings (cf. 1:11; 3:18, 36; 5:29; et al.; 1Jn 3:10, 15; 5:12).