John 7:34
What does John 7:34 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:34 means
Jesus declares that they will seek Him and not find Him, and where He is, they cannot come. This is a sobering word about separation due to unbelief. He is returning to the Father; those who reject Him cannot follow. Later, He will tell His disciples they will follow afterward, but here He addresses opponents hardened in resistance. The statement reveals that opportunity is not endless. To miss Him now is to face absence later. His words carry both warning and finality, pressing the urgency of faith while He is present among them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, ye cannot come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, ye cannot come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You will be looking for me, and you will not see me: and where I am you may not come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862ye will seek me, and ye shall not find; and where I am, ye are not able to come.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You shall seek me and shall not find me: and where I am, thither you cannot come.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye shall seek me and shall not find [me], and where I am ye cannot come.
Context
After announcing a short remaining time, Jesus adds a solemn warning of future seeking without finding. The Jews misunderstand, speculating that He might go to the Dispersion among the Greeks (verse 35) and puzzling over His statement (verse 36). Their inability to grasp His meaning shows spiritual blindness. This sets up the contrast on the last day of the feast, when Jesus speaks clearly of thirst and living water for any who come (verses 37–39).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 17:22
And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
- Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not!
- 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.
- Matthew 23:39
For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
- John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
- Luke 13:24
Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
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