John 12:28-30
Father, glorify thy name ( πατερ, δοξασον σου το ονομα ). First aorist (note of urgency) active imperative of δοξαζω and in the sense of his death already in verses 16, 23 and again in 13:31; 17:5. This is the prayer of the πνευμα (or ψυχη ) as opposed to that of the σαρξ (flesh) in verse 27. The "name" ( ονομα ) of God expresses the character of God (1:12; 5:43; 17:11). Cf. Mt 6:9.A voice out of heaven ( φωνη εκ του ουρανου ). This was the Father's answer to the prayer of Jesus for help. See already the Father's voice at the baptism of Jesus (Mr 1:11) and at the transfiguration (Mr 9:7). The rabbis called the audible voice of God bath-qol (the daughter of a voice).
I have both glorified it and will glorify it again ( κα εδοξασα κα παλιν δοξασω ). This definite assurance from the Father will nerve the soul of Jesus for the coming ordeal. Cf. 11:40 for εδοξασα and 13:31; 17:5 for δοξασω.
That it had thundered ( βροντην γεγονενα ). Perfect active infinitive of γινομα in indirect discourse after ελεγεν and the accusative of general reference ( βροντην, thunder, as in Mr 3:17), "that thunder came to pass." So the crowd "standing by" ( εστως, second perfect active participle of ιστημ ), but Jesus understood his Father's voice.
An angel hath spoken to him ( Αγγελος αυτω λελαληκεν ). Perfect active indicative of λαλεω. So, when Jesus spoke to Saul on the way to Damascus, those with Saul heard the voice, but did not understand (Ac 9:7; 22:9).
Not for my sake, but for your sakes ( ου δι' εμε, αλλα δι' υμας ). These words seem to contradict verses 28, 29. Bernard suggests an interpolation into the words of Jesus. But why not take it to be the figure of exaggerated contrast, "not merely for my sake, but also for yours"?
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