John 12:29
New International Version
The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

New Living Translation
When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

English Standard Version
The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore the crowd having stood, and having heard, was saying, "There has been thunder." Others were saying, "An angel has spoken to Him."

King James Bible
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

New King James Version
Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

New American Standard Bible
So the crowd who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him!”

NASB 1995
So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

NASB 1977
The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

Amplified Bible
The crowd of people who stood nearby and heard the voice said that it had thundered; others said, “An angel has spoken to Him!”

Christian Standard Bible
The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.

American Standard Version
The multitude therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it had thundered: others said, An angel hath spoken to him.

Contemporary English Version
When the crowd heard the voice, some of them thought it was thunder. Others thought an angel had spoken to Jesus.

English Revised Version
The multitude therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it had thundered: others said, An angel hath spoken to him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The crowd standing there heard the voice and said that it had thundered. Others in the crowd said that an angel had talked to him.

Good News Translation
The crowd standing there heard the voice, and some of them said it was thunder, while others said, "An angel spoke to him!"

International Standard Version
The crowd standing there heard this and said that it was thunder. Others were saying, "An angel has spoken to him."

Majority Standard Bible
The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.

NET Bible
The crowd that stood there and heard the voice said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to him.

New Heart English Bible
The crowd therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
The people therefore that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered. Others said, An angel spoke to him.

Weymouth New Testament
The crowd that stood by and heard it, said that there had been thunder. Others said, "An angel spoke to him."

World English Bible
Therefore the multitude who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the multitude, therefore, having stood and heard, were saying that there has been thunder; others said, “A messenger has spoken to Him.”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore the crowd having stood, and having heard, was saying, "There has been thunder." Others were saying, "An angel has spoken to Him."

Young's Literal Translation
the multitude, therefore, having stood and heard, were saying that there hath been thunder; others said, 'A messenger hath spoken to him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Then the crowd, having stood and heard, said it was thunder: others said, A messenger has spoken to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The multitude therefore that stood and heard, said that it thundered. Others said: An angel spoke to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the crowd, which was standing near and had heard it, said that it was like thunder. Others were saying, “An Angel was speaking with him.”

New American Bible
The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

New Revised Standard Version
The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the people who stood by heard it, and said, It was thunder; others said, An angel spoke to him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the crowd that was standing there heard, and they were saying, “It was thunder”, and others were saying “An Angel spoke with him.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then the multitude that stood by and heard it, said: It thundered. Others said: An angel spoke to him.

Godbey New Testament
Then the multitudes standing, hearing, said, That it was thunder; others said, An angel has spoken to Him.

Haweis New Testament
The multitude that stood by, and heard it, said that it was thunder: others said, An angel hath spoken to him.

Mace New Testament
the people therefore present who heard the noise, said it was thunder: others said, an angel spake to him.

Weymouth New Testament
The crowd that stood by and heard it, said that there had been thunder. Others said, "An angel spoke to him."

Worrell New Testament
The multitude, therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered; others said, "An angel has spoken to Him."

Worsley New Testament
The people therefore that stood by, and heard it, said, That it was thunder: but others said, it was an angel spake to Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Predicts His Death
28Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. 30In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours.…

Cross References
Exodus 19:16
On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled.

1 Samuel 12:18
So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

Job 37:2-5
Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. / He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth. / Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds. ...

Psalm 18:13
The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire.

Psalm 29:3-9
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters. / The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. / The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. ...

Isaiah 6:4
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.

Ezekiel 1:24
When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Daniel 10:6
His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

Matthew 3:17
And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Matthew 17:5
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

Mark 1:11
And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Mark 9:7
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”

Luke 3:22
and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Luke 9:35
And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”

John 5:37
And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form,


Treasury of Scripture

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spoke to him.

thundered.

Exodus 19:16
And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.

Exodus 20:18
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

Job 37:2-5
Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth…

An angel.

Acts 23:8,9
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both…

Revelation 18:1,2
And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory…

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Angel Crowd Heard Hearing Messenger Multitude Others Sound Standing Stood Talking Thunder Thundered
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Angel Crowd Heard Hearing Messenger Multitude Others Sound Standing Stood Talking Thunder Thundered
John 12
1. Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.
9. The people flock to see Lazarus.
10. The chief priests consult to kill him.
12. Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
20. Greeks desire to see Jesus.
23. He foretells his death.
37. The people are generally blinded;
42. yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;
44. therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.














The crowd standing there heard it
The crowd present during this event was likely a mix of Jews who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, as well as those who had followed Jesus after witnessing His miracles. The presence of a crowd is significant, as it highlights the public nature of the event and the widespread interest in Jesus' ministry. This moment occurs shortly after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He was hailed as a king. The crowd's reaction to the voice from heaven reflects a common theme in Scripture where divine communication is often misunderstood or misinterpreted by those who hear it.

and said that it had thundered.
The perception of the voice as thunder is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God's voice is described in terms of natural phenomena, such as in Psalm 29:3, where the voice of the Lord is over the waters and is described as thunderous. This reflects the majesty and power of God's voice, which can be overwhelming and awe-inspiring. The misunderstanding of the voice as thunder also underscores the spiritual blindness and lack of discernment among the people, a recurring theme in the Gospels where Jesus' true identity and message are often missed by the crowds.

Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.
The belief that an angel had spoken to Jesus indicates a recognition of the supernatural nature of the event, even if the specifics were not understood. In Jewish tradition, angels were seen as messengers of God, often delivering divine messages to individuals. This interpretation by some in the crowd suggests an awareness of the spiritual realm and a willingness to attribute the voice to a heavenly source, even if they did not fully grasp its significance. This moment foreshadows the continued division among the people regarding Jesus' identity and mission, as seen throughout the Gospel of John.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Crowd
A group of people present during Jesus' public ministry, witnessing His teachings and miracles. They often represent a mix of belief, skepticism, and misunderstanding.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is speaking to the Father in this passage.

3. The Voice from Heaven
This is the voice of God the Father, affirming Jesus' mission. It is a divine event that some interpret as thunder or an angelic message.

4. Jerusalem
The city where this event takes place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of many key events in Jesus' ministry.

5. The Event of Divine Confirmation
This moment is a divine affirmation of Jesus' mission and identity, occurring shortly before His crucifixion.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine Communication
God's voice can be misunderstood or dismissed by those not spiritually attuned. We must seek spiritual discernment to recognize God's voice in our lives.

The Importance of Spiritual Perception
Just as the crowd had different interpretations of the divine voice, our spiritual perception can vary. We should strive for clarity through prayer and study of Scripture.

Affirmation of Jesus' Mission
This passage underscores the divine approval of Jesus' mission. As believers, we are called to trust in Jesus' authority and purpose.

The Role of Faith in Interpretation
Faith plays a crucial role in how we interpret spiritual experiences. We should cultivate a faith that seeks understanding and truth.

The Significance of Witnessing
The crowd's presence at this event reminds us of the importance of being witnesses to God's work. We are called to share our experiences and understanding of God's actions.(29) The people . . . . said that it thundered.--Better, the multitude. Nothing could be stronger testimony to the fact that this narrative was written by one who was present at the events of which he tells, than the way in which these thoughts of the people at the time are preserved to us. Their insertion by a later hand is all but impossible; and they are, moreover, opposed to what must be assumed as the object of a later writer. In a treatise to prove the divinity of Christ there could be no place for them. In a Gospel which assumes the truth that He is divine, and does not seek to prove it, but to bear witness to the life which carries its own proof (comp. Notes on John 1:7; John 20:30-31), they are evidence that the witness is true. The fact that St. John clearly means us to understand (John 12:28) that a distinct voice spake from heaven does not forbid our understanding also that this voice was heard more or less distinctly, or was as a voice not heard at all, in proportion as the hearts of the hearers were or were not receptive of the voice of God. To some it seemed but as natural thunder, but their own Scripture had taught again and again "God thundereth marvellously with His voice: great things doeth He which we cannot comprehend," and the religious interpretation of nature hears everywhere the voice of God. Others, and these must have been Pharisees (comp. Acts 23:8-9), recognise a voice which is more than that of nature or of man, and think that an angel hath spoken. (Comp. Note on John 5:4.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd
ὄχλος (ochlos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

standing [there]
ἑστὼς (hestōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

heard [it]
ἀκούσας (akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

[and] said that
ἔλεγεν (elegen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

it had
γεγονέναι (gegonenai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

thundered.
Βροντὴν (Brontēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1027: Thunder. Akin to bremo; thunder.

Others
ἄλλοι (alloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

said that
ἔλεγον (elegon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

an angel
Ἄγγελος (Angelos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

had spoken
λελάληκεν (lelalēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

to Him.
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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John 12:28
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