What Does John 12:30 Mean in the King James?
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
A voice can be unnecessary to the one who knows, yet spoken so the hearer can receive what would otherwise remain unheard.
THE MEANING
Jesus names you among the purpose of this voice: it is not for his sake, but for yours. What the voice makes audible can reach you even when the one it addresses does not need it to establish the truth.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The lie is that a voice from God must be meant to reassure or validate the person nearest it. Here, Jesus says it is given for the hearers around him.
THE ROOT
φωνή
phōnē
GROWS FROM
φων-
The Greek stem phōn- means sound or voice, especially an audible call or utterance.
The English “voice” can sound like a message merely reported; φωνή is audible sound that reaches hearers, and this verse makes those hearers the reason it occurs. What is already known by Jesus becomes audible for you.
ALSO GROWS
phōneō: to call aloud, speak, or call out
φωνέω
This related verb shows voice as an act that reaches someone, fitting Jesus’ explanation that the sound serves the listeners.
prosphōneō: to address or speak to someone
προσφωνέω
This related verb makes the direction of a voice explicit: it is spoken toward hearers, as this voice is for your sake.
THE PATTERN
A voice is sometimes given outwardly so hearers can recognize what the speaker already knows.
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.THE THREAD
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.The same Greek word φωνή (phōnē, voice) names the sound in both verses. Verse 28 gives what the voice says; verse 30 reveals whom its arrival serves: the hearers.
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