FocusKnowing and seeing Jesus
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the disciples' troubled questions by directing them to Himself and to the words and works revealing the Father.
interpretation John 14:6
KJVJesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Read it in context
Jesus' Farewell Discourse and Promise of the Holy Spirit
Start reading at John 14:1 (John 14:1 to John 14:31).
The passage begins at the start of chapter 14 with Jesus comforting His disciples and continues through His teachings about His departure, His identity, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, concluding with a command to depart.
- 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
- 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
- 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
- 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
- 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
- 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
- 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
- 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
- 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
- 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
- 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
- 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
- 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
- 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
- 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
- 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
- 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
- 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
- 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
- 14:21 He 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 to him.
- 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
- 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
- 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
- 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
- 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
- 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
- 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
- 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
- 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 14:1–16:33): Jesus addresses His disciples in the farewell teaching after Judas's departure, answering questions from Thomas, Philip, and Judas who is not Iscariot. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this passage is Jesus' teaching to His disciples about His impending departure, His unique identity as the exclusive way to the Father, and the promise of the Holy Spirit (the Comforter). Specifically, John 14:6 presents Jesus' self-declaration as 'the way, the truth, and the life,' and the sole means of access to God the Father.
- What is God revealing? God, through Jesus, is revealing the divine nature of Jesus Christ, His unity with the Father, and His essential role as the only mediator between God and humanity. He reveals that salvation and access to the Father are found exclusively through Him.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is a Gospel narrative, specifically a discourse or teaching by Jesus to His disciples.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of John was written between approximately A.D. 85 and 95. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in this passage take place around A.D. 27 to 30, specifically during Jesus' final discourse with His disciples before His crucifixion, likely on the night of the Last Supper. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The event likely happened in an upper room in Jerusalem, where Jesus was speaking to His disciples before they departed (John 14:31). stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, John the apostle, traditionally wrote this Gospel from Ephesus. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' Farewell Discourse and Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:1 to John 14:31). Start reading at John 14:1. The passage begins at the start of chapter 14 with Jesus comforting His disciples and continues through His teachings about His departure, His identity, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, concluding with a command to depart.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage is part of Jesus' extended farewell discourse to His disciples, often called the Upper Room Discourse. It directly follows Thomas's question about knowing the way to where Jesus was going (John 14:5), providing a foundational answer about Jesus' unique identity and role in salvation. It sets the stage for further teachings on the Holy Spirit and the disciples' future mission. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? John 14:6 is a pivotal Christological statement where Jesus explicitly declares His divine nature and exclusive mediatorial role. By stating, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,' Jesus asserts His absolute necessity for salvation and relationship with God. He is not merely a guide or a prophet, but the very embodiment of the path, reality, and eternal existence, making Him the sole means of access to God. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? For believers today, this verse serves as a foundational truth: salvation and a relationship with God the Father are found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ. It calls us to trust in Jesus as the only way to eternal life, to embrace His teachings as absolute truth, and to live in the spiritual life He provides. It encourages unwavering commitment to Christ as the sole mediator. interpretation
Cited: John 14:1, John 14:5, John 14:6, John 14:31, Acts 4:12
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- I am John 10:9 Isa 35:8-9 Matt 11:27 Acts 4:12 Rom 5:2 Eph 2:18 Heb 7:25 Heb 9:8
- the truth John 1:14,17 John 8:32 John 15:1 John 18:37 Rom 15:8-9 2 Cor 1:19-20 Col 2:9,17 1 John 1:8
- the life John 14:19 John 1:4 John 5:21,25-29 John 6:33,51,57,68 John 8:51 John 10:28 John 11:25-26 John 17:2-3
- no John 10:7,9 Acts 4:12 Rom 15:16 1 Pet 2:4 1 Pet 3:18 1 John 2:23 2 John 1:9 Rev 5:8-9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 14
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
Love, obedience, and the Comforter
John 14:15–24FocusGod's abiding presence
Connection to the wholeThe promise of the Comforter is joined to keeping Jesus' commandments and the assurance of God's presence with those who love Him.
interpretation Peace before the departure
John 14:25–31FocusRemembering His words
Connection to the wholeJesus explains the Comforter's teaching work, leaves peace, and prepares the disciples to understand His departure through what He has told them.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.