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John 12:21
ESV So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."
NIV They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus."
NASB these people then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and were making a request of him, saying, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.'
CSB So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."
NLT paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, 'Sir, we want to meet Jesus.'
KJV The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
NKJV Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

What does John 12:21 mean?

At this time, Jerusalem is overflowing with pilgrims arriving to celebrate Passover (Deuteronomy 16:16). Not all these travelers are Jewish—some are "Greeks," which in this case is a generic term referring to Gentiles. Jesus has just entered Jerusalem to great fanfare in the triumphal entry (John 12:12–18). This has renewed His enemies' interest in having Him killed (John 11:53), thanks to what they see as a dangerous precedent (John 12:19). Like His raising of Lazarus (John 12:1–11), this has also generated more interest in Jesus and His ministry. The people referred to here are among those Greeks.

Even though the murderous plans of Jesus' enemies are secret (Matthew 26:4; Mark 14:1), nobody has any doubt that they mean Him harm (John 11:8). That is one possible explanation for why these men are said to approach Philip, specifically. Perhaps Philip was acting as the first layer of security for Jesus, vetting those who wanted to get close to Him (John 12:22). It's also possible that these Greeks approached Philip—who has a Greek name—because they knew of him from his time in Bethsaida.
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