Book of John - Chapter 12 - Verse 20

When it says "And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast," it is referring to non-Jewish individuals who were present at the feast in Jerusalem. The fact that these Greeks were there to worship indicates their faith in the God of Israel and their desire to participate in the religious traditions of the Jewish people. This verse highlights the diversity of individuals who were drawn to the teachings and practices of Judaism, illustrating the universal appeal of the message of God's love and salvation. By including this detail in the narrative, the author emphasizes the inclusive nature of the community that gathered for the feast, showing that people from all backgrounds and cultures were welcome to come and worship together.

In John 12:20, the mention of "certain Greeks" coming to worship at the feast is significant from a theological perspective. This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles in the salvation plan of God. The arrival of these Greeks at the feast where Jesus was present symbolizes the universal reach of Jesus' message and mission. It is believed to symbolize the beginning of Jesus' ministry to the Gentiles, who were not part of the Jewish community but were still seeking to know more about him. This verse is also a reminder of the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 60:3 that speaks of Gentiles coming to the light of the Messiah. The word study of "Greeks" in this context highlights the cultural diversity present in the crowd gathered for the feast, emphasizing that Jesus came not only for the Jews but for all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.