John 13:19
What does John 13:19 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:19 means
Jesus says He is telling them before it happens, so that when it does happen, they may believe that “I am he.” Foretelling strengthens faith. The phrase “I am he” carries echoes of divine self-identification. When the betrayal unfolds, they are to see not chaos but the Lord’s hand. Jesus’ prediction is pastoral—He equips them to interpret dark events as confirming His identity, not disproving it. The cross will not be a tragic accident but the arena of His glory. Memory of His words will become a lifeline during the crisis, turning shock into deeper trust.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000From henceforth I tell you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901From henceforth I tell you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949From this time forward, I give you knowledge of things before they come about, so that when they come about you may have belief that I am he.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`From this time I tell you, before its coming to pass, that, when it may come to pass, ye may believe that I am <FI>he<Fi> ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752At present I tell you, before it come to pass: that when it shall come to pass, you may believe that I am he.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I tell you [it] now before it happens, that when it happens, ye may believe that I am [he].
Context
This assurance follows the citation of Scripture in verse 18 and precedes a broader statement in verse 20 about receiving those whom Jesus sends. Immediately after, in verse 21, Jesus will be “troubled in the spirit” and announce that one of them will betray Him, moving from general prediction to specific disclosure. Verse 19 gives the disciples a framework for faith before the blow lands.
v.18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me.
v.19This passage
v.20Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Malachi 3:1
Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts.
- John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am.
- Luke 21:13
It shall turn out unto you for a testimony.
- Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,
- John 14:29
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe.
- Isaiah 41:23
Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 13
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 13.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Loving Enemies
The Bible calls believers to a radical love that extends even to those who mistreat or oppose them
Topic
Bible Verses About Servanthood
Servanthood in the Bible means humbly serving God and others, reflecting Jesus’s example of true greatness through selfless love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.