King James Version

What Does John 13:33 Mean?

John 13:33 in the King James Version says “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 canno... — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 to you.

John 13:33 · KJV


Context

31

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32

If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

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 to you.

34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Little children (Τεκνία, teknia)—a tender diminutive used only here in the Gospels (but 7x in 1 John), expressing deep affection and paternal care. Jesus's tone shifts from confronting Judas to tenderly preparing His remaining disciples for separation. This term conveys both intimacy and the disciples' spiritual immaturity—they are children who need comfort.

Yet a little while I am with you (ἔτι μικρὸν μεθ' ὑμῶν εἰμι)—Jesus has 18 hours before crucifixion, 40 days until ascension. The phrase recalls John 7:33, where Jesus told hostile Jews the same thing. Now He tells beloved disciples, Whither I go, ye cannot come—they cannot yet follow Him to the cross (v.36) or heaven. His death is a solitary work; atonement cannot be shared.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbis commonly addressed disciples as children or sons, but teknia is exceptionally tender. Jesus prepares them for His absence—unprecedented for disciples whose entire identity centered on following their rabbi. The Upper Room Discourse (chapters 14-17) elaborates this theme: Jesus is leaving, but the Spirit is coming (John 16:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's tender address 'little children' reveal about His pastoral heart even in His darkest hour?
  2. Why couldn't the disciples follow Jesus immediately to the cross—what work must He accomplish alone?
  3. How does Jesus's preparation of His disciples for His departure model caring leadership during transitions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
τεκνία1 of 25

Little children

G5040

an infant, i.e., (plural figuratively) darlings (christian converts)

ἔτι2 of 25

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

μικρὸν3 of 25

a little while

G3397

a small space of time or degree

μεθ'4 of 25

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν5 of 25

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰμι·6 of 25

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ζητήσετέ7 of 25

Ye shall seek

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

με8 of 25

me

G3165

me

καὶ9 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καθὼς10 of 25

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

εἶπον11 of 25

I said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τοῖς12 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίοις13 of 25

unto the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὅτι14 of 25
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ὅπου15 of 25

Whither

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ὑπάγω16 of 25

go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

ἐγὼ17 of 25

I

G1473

i, me

ὑμεῖς18 of 25

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὐ19 of 25

cannot

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύνασθε20 of 25
G1410

to be able or possible

ἐλθεῖν21 of 25

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ22 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμῖν23 of 25

to you

G5213

to (with or by) you

λέγω24 of 25

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἄρτι25 of 25

now

G737

just now


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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