John 7:33
What does John 7:33 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:33 means
Jesus announces that He will be with them only a little longer, then He will go to Him who sent Him. This points to His impending death, resurrection, and return to the Father. He frames His departure as mission accomplished, not escape. The brevity emphasizes urgency: their time to hear, believe, and respond is limited. His going “to Him that sent me” reaffirms His unique relationship with the Father and underlines that the cross is part of the sending, not a detour. The verse calls hearers to reckon with the fleeting opportunity before them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus therefore said, Yet a little while am I with you, and I go unto him that sent me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus therefore said, Yet a little while am I with you, and I go unto him that sent me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Jesus said, I will be with you a little longer and then I go to him who sent me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus, therefore, said to them, `Yet a little time I am with you, and I go away unto Him who sent me;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus therefore said to them: Yet a little while I am with you: and then I go to him that sent me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus therefore said, Yet a little while I am with you, and I go to him that has sent me.
Context
In response to the arrest order, Jesus speaks of His imminent departure. He will add that they will seek Him but not find Him, and cannot come where He is (verse 34). This confounds His opponents, who try to interpret it in geographical terms (verses 35–36). Their confusion creates a narrative pause that will be filled, on the feast’s last day, by Jesus’ great invitation to come and drink (verses 37–39).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 17:13
But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
- John 13:33
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.
- Mark 16:19
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
- John 17:11
And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
- John 12:35
Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
- John 16:28
I came out from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go unto the Father.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 7.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.