John 14:12
What does John 14:12 mean?
A plain-English look at John 14:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 14:12 means
Jesus assures that those who believe in Him will do the works He has been doing, and even greater ones, because He goes to the Father. “Greater” likely refers to wider scope and spiritual impact after His ascension and the sending of the Spirit, not to surpassing His unique miracles in kind. The key is His going—He will continue His mission through His people. This promise is not flattery but a charge: genuine faith bears fruit in service that displays God’s power and advances the gospel. The church’s global growth, conversions, and transformed lives manifest these greater works.
John 14:12 in context
John 14 — I Am the Way
On the night before his crucifixion Jesus comforts his disciples. He is going to prepare a place for them; he is the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by him. He promises another Comforter — the Holy Spirit — who will dwell in them and bring his words to remembrance. The peace he gives is not as the world gives. Even with the cross hours away, he turns from his own sorrow to steady theirs.
- Heaven
- Exclusivity of Christ
- Holy Spirit promised
- Christ's peace
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly I say to you, He who puts his faith in me will do the very works which I do, and he will do greater things than these, because I am going to my Father.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Verily, verily, I say to you, he who is believing in me, the works that I do--that one also shall do, and greater than these he shall do, because I go on to my Father;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Otherwise believe for the very works' sake. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Verily, verily, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works which I do shall he do also, and he shall do greater than these, because I go to the Father.
Context
On the heels of calling for faith grounded in His union with the Father, Jesus extends the horizon: believers will carry forward His mission after His departure. The reason is His return to the Father, which prepares for the sending of the Spirit and grants access in prayer. The next two verses connect these works to asking in His name, clarifying the means and aim—prayer that Jesus Himself answers to glorify the Father. Thus, verse 12 bridges divine revelation and practical ministry empowered by communion with the risen Lord.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:41
They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.
- Acts 10:46
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
- Mark 11:13
And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs.
- Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
- Acts 2:33
Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.
- Acts 9:40
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Sermon ideas from John 14:12
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 14:12 teaches us about heaven
What John 14:12 teaches us about exclusivity of christ
What John 14:12 teaches us about holy spirit promised
What John 14:12 teaches us about christ's peace
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