Bible Strands
John 12:24
Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his followers immediately after declaring that his hour of glorification has arrived (v. 23). The seed parable is his explanation of what that glorification will cost.
The words — κὸκκος (kokkos) is a diminutive for "grain," a single, negligible kernel. The emphasis on its smallness underscores that what must die is not a grand thing but the smallest unit of life.
The thread — Paul restates the same principle in 1 Corinthians 15:36 ("What you sow does not come to life unless it dies"), and the death-to-glory arc appears in Isaiah 53:10 and Hebrews 2:9.
Why it lands — The verse does not console; it states a condition. Fruitfulness is not the reward for surviving but the result of dying.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 15:36 You fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.
- Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
- Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
- John 12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”
- Psalms 72:16 May there be an abundance of grain in the land; may it sway atop the hills. May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon, the people of its cities like the grass of the field.
- Revelation 7:9 After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
- Psalms 22:22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.
- Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.