Ambiguity in John 12:31?

Martin A. Childs (economy1@intersurf.com)
Tue, 25 Mar 1997 13:01:01 -0600

Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this
world be cast out.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men]
unto me.

I am reading this passage as being two parallel enunciations of actions by
two parties. Thus, the judgment of the world is expressed in the lifting up
and in contrast the casting out is expressed in the drawing unto.

In the former case, the ruler of this world would be the actor. In the
latter case, Jesus would be the actor.

I realize that certain ambiguities are inherent in the use of passive
voice.

But looking at 31 : [nun krisis estin tou kosmou] I am unable to discern
who is rendering the judgment.

In other words, should it be "judgment BY this world" or "judgment UPON
this world" or is it ambiguous?

Martin A. Childs
economy1@intersurf.com