John 12:19

ESV So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him."
NIV So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"
NASB So the Pharisees said to one another, 'You see that you are not accomplishing anything; look, the world has gone after Him!'
CSB Then the Pharisees said to one another, "You see? You’ve accomplished nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!"
NLT Then the Pharisees said to each other, 'There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!'
KJV The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
NKJV The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

What does John 12:19 mean?

Opposition to Jesus from local religious leaders was mostly spiritual, or social. Jesus was contradicting their traditions (Matthew 15:1–2) and making them look foolish in front of the people they intended to lead (Mark 12:34). In looking for a way to be rid of Jesus, those same leaders noted that the people were referring to Him as the Messiah (John 7:31). That inspired fear that the Roman Empire, in control of Judea, would see that as a rebellion and respond with deadly force. So, out of both fear and hatred, they held up Jesus' political threat as justification to have Him killed (John 11:53).

One can only imagine the horror the religious leaders felt to see Jesus entering Jerusalem while crowds shout hosanna—a kingly blessing—and wave palm branches (John 12:12–13). Not only did it mean that more and more people were approving of His teachings, it was exactly the kind of display they feared would anger their Roman overlords.
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Context Summary
John 12:12–19 describes the triumphal entry: Jesus' celebratory parade into Jerusalem a few days before Passover. To this point, Jesus has been relatively quiet about His mission, even asking people not to proclaim Him. Now, He fulfills prophecy by riding into the city on a donkey, as people shout ''Hosanna'' and throw down coats and palm branches. This affirms the fears of local religious leaders, who worry Jesus' popularity will attract the anger of the Roman Empire. As it turns out, most of these people misunderstand Jesus' mission, thinking His plan is to overthrow the Romans to free Israel. This event is also described in Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–10, and Luke 19:28–40.
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Chapter Summary
Jesus is treated to an honorary dinner at the home of Lazarus, whom He has recently raised from death. At this dinner, Lazarus' sister, Mary, anoints Jesus with expensive oil. Jesus then enters Jerusalem to great fanfare, stoking fears that His popularity will attract the anger of the Roman Empire. That anger even inspires a murder plot against Lazarus. After being approached by non-Jewish seekers, Jesus offers a final plea for people to understand His ministry. In effect, these are the last public words spoken by Jesus in the gospel of John.
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What is the Gospel?
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