King James Version

What Does John 14:12 Mean?

John 14:12 in the King James Version says “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than th...” — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 14:12 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

11

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

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.

13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Read John 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus makes a startling promise: 'He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also' (ho pisteuon eis eme ta erga ha ego poio kakeinos poiesei). This grants believers participation in Christ's miraculous works through faith. The even more shocking addition follows: 'and greater works than these shall he do' (kai meizona touton poiesei). How can disciples do greater works than Jesus? The explanation: 'because I go unto my Father' (hoti ego pros ton patera poreuomai). Jesus' ascension enables the Spirit's coming (14:26, 16:7), empowering global gospel advance. The 'greater works' are not greater in power but in scope - through the Spirit-empowered church, the Gospel reaches all nations, whereas Jesus' earthly ministry was geographically limited. The verse promises Spirit-enabled ministry that extends Christ's work globally.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early church history validates this promise - through the apostles' Spirit-empowered ministry, thousands were converted, churches multiplied throughout the Roman Empire, and the Gospel transcended cultural boundaries. The Book of Acts demonstrates these 'greater works' - Peter's Pentecost sermon converting 3,000, Paul's missionary journeys establishing churches across Asia Minor and Europe. Church Fathers appealed to this verse defending apostolic authority and miraculous gifts. Medieval mystics saw it validating monastic miracles. Reformation theology emphasized the 'greater works' as gospel proclamation bearing fruit globally. Pentecostal and charismatic movements cite this verse supporting contemporary miraculous gifts. The verse has generated debate about cessationism versus continuationism, but Jesus' emphasis is clearly on gospel expansion enabled by His ascension and Spirit's descent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers do 'greater works' than Jesus - what does 'greater' mean in this context?
  2. What is the relationship between Jesus going to the Father and believers doing greater works?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἀμὴν1 of 26

“Verily”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

ἀμὴν2 of 26

“Verily”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω3 of 26

“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

ὑμῖν4 of 26

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὁ5 of 26
G3588

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

πιστεύων6 of 26

“He that believeth”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς7 of 26

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐμὲ8 of 26

“me”

G1691

me

τὰ9 of 26
G3588

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

ἔργα10 of 26

“the works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἃ11 of 26
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ12 of 26

“I”

G1473

i, me

ποιήσει13 of 26

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

κἀκεῖνος14 of 26

“also”

G2548

likewise that (or those)

ποιήσει15 of 26

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ16 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

μείζονα17 of 26
G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

τούτων18 of 26

“these”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ποιήσει19 of 26

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὅτι20 of 26

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγὼ21 of 26

“I”

G1473

i, me

πρὸς22 of 26

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν23 of 26
G3588

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

πατέρα24 of 26

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου25 of 26

“my”

G3450

of me

πορεύομαι·26 of 26

“go”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

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 14:12 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 14:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:21Mark 16:17Luke 10:17-19Acts 16:18Acts 19:12Acts 9:34

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