Definition: The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 12:19. It’s a really dramatic and symbolic passage about Jesus’ imminent death. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The Pharisees (Jewish leaders) are worried because they believe Jesus is going to die soon. They’re asking, “How can we survive this?” And the verse says, "Believe this and you will prevail – nothing!” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The Pharisees therefore said…” : This tells us who is speaking. The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders who were very concerned about Jesus’ teachings and actions. “…among themselves” : They are talking to each other, privately. “Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing?” : This is the core of the verse. “Perceive” means understand or realize. So, they're asking, “Can we overcome this? Can we survive this?” It’s a question of our own strength and ability to stay safe. “Behold, the world is gone after him.” : This is the shocking part! The verse immediately follows – Jesus is about to die. "The world" refers to everything around us: people, nations, everything we know and love. "Gone after him" means completely erased - it's as if the world ceases to exist because of his death. So, what’s the message? Jesus’ death is a victory over evil and the forces that try to keep us from eternal life. It’s a powerful statement about the ultimate triumph of God’s love and sacrifice. The Pharisees are warning each other that they won't be saved or protected by anything - only Jesus’ death can give them a chance for eternity. In essence, the verse is saying: “Jesus is coming to die, and with him, everything we hold dear – our lives, our world – will be taken away.” Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of the crucifixion. However, it's more about the message of hope and salvation that comes through Jesus’ death. --- Would you like me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the context of this verse within the larger narrative of Jesus’ life and teachings. Explore the symbolic meaning behind "the world" being "gone." Talk about how this verse is used in different Christian traditions.