John 12:19

The Discomfiture of the Pharisees

19. Perceive ye Rather, Behold ye. The Greek may also mean -Behold" (imperat.) or ye behold: the last is perhaps best; -Ye see what a mistake we have made; we ought to have adopted the plan of Caiaphas long ago."

the world The exaggerated expression of their chagrin, which in this Divine epic is brought into strong contrast with the triumph of Jesus. Comp. a similar exaggeration from a similar cause John 3:26; - allmen come to Him."

is gone after him Literally, is gone away after Him. The Greek word is not the same but is similar in meaning to that used in John 12:11. After this confession of helplessness the Pharisees appear no more alone; the reckless hierarchy help them on to the catastrophe.