Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

JOHN 12:31KJV
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John 12:31 (KJV)

What does John 12:31 mean?

John 12:31 says that the time has come for the world to be judged, and that the ruler or "prince" of this world will be driven out. Jesus is announcing a turning point where evil's power is being challenged and overthrown.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion. He is explaining that his upcoming death will mark a decisive moment: the world is facing judgment, and the "prince of this world"—a phrase often understood as referring to Satan or the power of evil—will lose authority. This statement sets the stage for the events of the cross and what they mean for the struggle between good and evil.

The Greek behind John 12:31

  • κόσμος (kosmos, G2889): This word is translated as "world" and often means the whole human order or system, not just the physical earth. Here, it suggests that Jesus is talking about the entire human system and its values being judged.
  • ἄρχων (archōn, G758): Translated as "prince," this word means a ruler or leading authority. In this context, it points to a spiritual power seen as ruling over the world’s system.
  • ἐκβληθήσεται (ekblēthēsetai, G1544): This is translated "shall be cast out." The Greek carries the sense of being forcefully expelled or driven away, emphasizing a decisive removal of authority.

Why John 12:31 matters

  • John 12:31 clarifies that Jesus saw his death not just as a personal sacrifice but as a cosmic event that changes the balance of power in the world.
  • The verse helps readers understand that the "judgment" Jesus speaks of is not only about individuals, but about the whole system of the world and its spiritual ruler.
  • This statement connects to the wider theme in John’s Gospel of light overcoming darkness and prepares readers for the significance of the crucifixion in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“prince” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

“judgment” Greek G2920 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • 1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

“out” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

“this” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded