John 14:20
What does John 14:20 mean?
A plain-English look at John 14:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 14:20 means
Jesus says that in “that day”—the post-resurrection, Spirit-given era—they will know in a fuller way the realities He has been teaching: He is in the Father, they are in Him, and He is in them. This threefold union is the heart of Christian life. It assures them of secure belonging and shared life. Their obedience and mission flow from this indwelling relationship, not from mere effort. With the veil lifted by His resurrection and the Spirit’s illumination, they will understand that their identity, access to the Father, and power for service all derive from this mutual in-ness.
John 14:20 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 · 2000In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At that time it will be clear to you that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I in you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in that day ye shall know that I <FI>am<Fi> in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In that day you shall know that I am in my Father: and you in me, and I in you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Context
After promising continued presence and life, Jesus unveils the shape of that life—deep union with God through Him. This prepares for the emphasis on love and obedience as the evidence of this union, and for the promise of His self-manifestation to those who keep His commandments. The next verse ties keeping His words to love and promises reciprocal love from the Father and the Son’s manifestation, which will prompt a question from Judas (not Iscariot) about why the world will not share this manifestation.
v.19Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live also.
v.20This passage
v.21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 17:21
that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.
- John 14:10
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works.
- John 16:26
In that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you;
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
- 2 Corinthians 5:19
to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
- Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.
Sermon ideas from John 14:20
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 14:20 teaches us about heaven
What John 14:20 teaches us about exclusivity of christ
What John 14:20 teaches us about holy spirit promised
What John 14:20 teaches us about christ's peace
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