John 14:22
What does John 14:22 mean?
A plain-English look at John 14:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 14:22 means
Judas (not Iscariot) asks why Jesus will reveal Himself to the disciples but not to the world. He expects a public, undeniable display. His question reveals a common expectation of a visible, universal manifestation of the Messiah. Jesus will answer that His manifestation is relational and moral, coming to those who love and obey His word. The kingdom advances not first by outward spectacle, but by inward dwelling. Judas’s inquiry gives voice to confusion and allows Jesus to distinguish between the world that rejects His words and the household where the Father and Son make their home.
John 14:22 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 · 2000Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, How is it that you will let yourself be seen clearly by us and not by the world?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Judas saith to him, (not the Iscariot), `Sir, what hath come to pass, that to us thou are about to manifest thyself, and not to the world?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Judas saith to him, not the Iscariot: Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not to the world?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Judas, not the Iscariote, says to him, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself to us and not to the world?
Context
After Jesus promises to manifest Himself to those who love and keep His commands, Judas seeks clarification about the limited audience of this revelation. His question sets up Jesus’ explanation that love-led obedience is the doorway to divine indwelling. The next two verses will contrast the one who loves and keeps Jesus’ word—welcoming the Father and Son’s abode—with the one who does not love and thus does not keep His words. This keeps the focus on responsive hearts rather than political or dramatic displays.
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.
v.22This passage
v.23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 6:16
and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor;
- Acts 10:40
Him God raised up the third day, and gave him to be made manifest,
- John 3:9
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
- John 3:4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
- Jude 1:1
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
- Matthew 10:3
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus;
Sermon ideas from John 14:22
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 14:22 teaches us about heaven
What John 14:22 teaches us about exclusivity of christ
What John 14:22 teaches us about holy spirit promised
What John 14:22 teaches us about christ's peace
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