When I am lifted up from the earth refers to Jesus’ crucifixion but includes his exaltation. (See comments on 3.14.)

Everyone (Greek masculine accusative plural, pantas, = “all men”) is the reading of most modern English translations, and it has the best manuscript support. However, in some manuscripts the Greek neuter plural (panta) appears. This neuter form in Greek is ambiguous and may have the meaning of “everyone,” “all things,” or “all.” The stronger manuscript evidence is in support of the masculine plural (“all men”). The idea of a cosmic redemption, suggested by the neuter plural, represents more closely the theology of such a passage as Colossians 1.16-17. The UBS Committee on the Greek text decided in favor of the reading “all men,” evaluating their decision as a “D” choice, which indicates a very high degree of doubt concerning the reading selected.

I will draw everyone to me may be rendered in some instances “I will cause everyone to come to me.” Unfortunately, some translators attempt to reproduce literally the meaning of draw, and produce expressions which literally mean “I will drag everyone to me.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .