John 13:32 in the King James Version reads, "If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him."

This verse occurs in the context of Jesus' discourse with his disciples during the Last Supper. In the preceding verses, Jesus has just informed his disciples that he will be leaving them, which has caused great distress among them. He reassures them that he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father's house and that they know the way to where he is going, referring to himself as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

In John 13:31, Jesus says, "Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him." This verse signifies the imminent glorification of Jesus through his death, resurrection, and ascension, as well as the glorification of God through the redemptive work of Jesus. It is in this context that John 13:32 follows, further emphasizing the mutual glorification of God and Jesus.

The verse begins with the condition "If God be glorified in him," which indicates that the glorification of Jesus is contingent upon God being glorified through him. This reflects the inseparable relationship between the Father and the Son, with Jesus being the perfect representation of God's glory to the world (Hebrews 1:3). The phrase "in himself" suggests that God will glorify Jesus within His own divine essence, indicating the highest form of exaltation and honor.

The word "glorify" used three times in this verse underscores its significance. The glorification of Jesus is both a divine declaration of his worthiness and an elevation to the highest position of honor and authority. This is in line with the concept of glorification in the New Testament, which encompasses the resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Jesus as the exalted Lord and Savior (Philippians 2:9-11).

The promise of God's immediate action to glorify Jesus "straightway" reaffirms the certainty and swiftness of this glorification. This assurance would have served as a source of comfort and hope for the disciples, who were about to witness the seemingly ignominious death of their beloved teacher and friend. It also points to the divine inevitability of Jesus' glorification, rooted in God's sovereign will and purpose.

In a broader theological context, John 13:32 encapsulates the interconnected themes of divine glory, redemption, and the unity of the Godhead. It underscores the Trinitarian understanding of God, where Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in perfect harmony and cooperation in the work of salvation. The glorification of Jesus is not a self-exalting act, but rather a glorification of God through his obedient fulfillment of the Father's will (Philippians 2:8).

The symbolic significance of this verse lies in its portrayal of the redemptive plan of God. Jesus' glorification is intricately linked to his sacrificial death on the cross, which serves as the means of reconciling humanity to God and demonstrating the depth of God's love and mercy. This verse thus points to the profound spiritual truth that the crucifixion, though appearing as a moment of shame and defeat, is in fact the ultimate display of divine glory and victory over sin and death (Colossians 2:15).

In conclusion, John 13:32 encapsulates the profound theological truths of divine glorification, the unity of the Godhead, and the redemptive work of Jesus. It provides a glimpse into the profound mysteries of God's plan of salvation, offering reassurance and hope to believers through the assurance of Jesus' exaltation and the manifestation of God's glory in and through him. It serves as a testament to the inseparable bond between God and Jesus and the ultimate triumph of the cross.