John 14:8
What does John 14:8 mean?
A plain-English look at John 14:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 14:8 means
Philip voices the longing of many: a direct, undeniable sight of the Father would settle their hearts. He is content with that one gift, imagining it would be enough to anchor faith. His request shows both desire and misunderstanding. He assumes there is a further revelation beyond Jesus that would finally secure them. The appeal is sincere but shortsighted, missing that for three years the Father has been on display in the Son’s teaching, compassion, authority, and holiness. Philip’s words invite Jesus to clarify how fully the Father has been revealed already in Him.
John 14:8 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 · 2000Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Philip said to him, Lord, let us see the Father, and we have need of nothing more.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Philip saith to him, `Sir, shew to us the Father, and it is enough for us;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Philip saith to him: Lord, shew us the Father; and it is enough for us.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Philip says to him, Lord, shew us the Father and it suffices us.
Context
Philip responds to Jesus’ statement about knowing and seeing the Father. Still not grasping the sufficiency of Christ’s revelation, he asks for an additional sign. This sets the stage for Jesus’ tender rebuke and profound teaching on His unity with the Father. The next verses will insist that to see Jesus is to see the Father, and will appeal to both His words and works as evidence. This becomes the platform for calling the disciples to believe and, on that basis, to share in His mission and receive promises about prayer and power.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 12:21
these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
- John 1:43
On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.
- Exodus 33:18
And he said, Show me, I pray thee, thy glory.
- Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
- Exodus 34:5
And Jehovah descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of Jehovah.
- Psalms 17:15
As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with beholding thy form.
Sermon ideas from John 14:8
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 14:8 teaches us about heaven
What John 14:8 teaches us about exclusivity of christ
What John 14:8 teaches us about holy spirit promised
What John 14:8 teaches us about christ's peace
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