12:32a
I: The Greek text emphasizes the word I, which refers to Jesus.
when I am lifted up from the earth: This clause refers to the time when people would kill Jesus by nailing him to a tall cross. See the notes on 3:14a–b and 8:28. The people listening understood that Jesus meant that he would die (see 12:33–34). This clause could also refer to his resurrection and being exalted, but the main idea is that of his crucifixion.
The verb phrase I am lifted up is passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
if I am lifted up above the earth (Contemporary English Version)
• Use an active verb. For example:
when they lift me up from the earth ⌊to die⌋
-or-
when people raise me up above the earth ⌊on a cross⌋
12:32b
will draw everyone to Myself: This phrase indicates that through his death Jesus would cause all kinds of people to come to him to trust him. This was his answer to the Greeks who wanted to meet him. Greeks would also be able to come to Jesus. The word draw here means “cause to come.” It means that Jesus would attract all kinds of people so that they would want to come to him. He would not force people to come to him against their will. See how you translated the verb draw in 6:44. For example:
I will cause all people to believe in me.
-or-
I will make everyone want to come to me (Contemporary English Version)
everyone: This phrase in this context implies “all different races and kinds of people.” Jesus will bring to himself everyone, Gentiles as well as Jews, slave as well as free. It does not mean that every person would come to him, but anyone could come if they wanted.
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