Devine Scripture

John 14:29

What does John 14:29 mean?

A plain-English look at John 14:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 14:29 means

Jesus tells them these things beforehand so that when they happen, they will believe. Prophecy in His mouth is pastoral: it steadies faith by showing that the cross and departure are not accidents but ordained steps. When the predicted events unfold, the disciples will recall His words and be reassured that He was in control. Forewarning becomes faith-fortifying. This encourages readers too: God’s word prepares His people for trials, not merely by giving details, but by framing them within His sovereign, saving purposes revealed in Christ.

John 14:29 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 · 2000

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And now I have given you word of it before it comes, so that, when it comes, you may have faith.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And now I have said <FI>it<Fi> to you before it come to pass, that when it may come to pass, ye may believe;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And now I have told you before it come to pass: that when it shall come to pass, you may believe.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that when it shall have come to pass ye may believe.

Context

Having urged them to rejoice at His going to the Father, Jesus explains one reason He speaks now: to anchor their faith when fulfillment comes. This transitions to the solemn note that He will not speak much more, because the prince of the world is coming. The next verses will reveal that, though evil approaches, it has no claim on Him; His path to the cross is obedience to the Father, not defeat by Satan. The flow underscores sovereign purpose amid encroaching darkness.

v.28Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I.

v.29This passage

v.30I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 16:4

    But these things have I spoken unto you, that when their hour is come, ye may remember them, how that I told you. And these things I said not unto you from the beginning, because I was with you.

  • John 13:19

    From henceforth I tell you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Sermon ideas from John 14:29

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What John 14:29 teaches us about heaven

  • What John 14:29 teaches us about exclusivity of christ

  • What John 14:29 teaches us about holy spirit promised

  • What John 14:29 teaches us about christ's peace

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