King James Version

What Does John 14:13 Mean?

John 14:13 in the King James Version says “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 14:13 · KJV


Context

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.

15

If ye love me, keep my commandments.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus promises 'whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do' (kai ho ti an aitesete en to onomati mou touto poieso). The comprehensive 'whatsoever' (ho ti an) might suggest blank-check prayer, but the qualifier 'in my name' (en to onomati mou) provides crucial limitation. Asking 'in Jesus' name' means praying according to His character, authority, and will - not merely attaching His name to selfish requests. Jesus' purpose in answering prayer follows: 'that the Father may be glorified in the Son' (hina doxasthe ho pater en to hyio). Prayer's ultimate aim is the Father's glory manifested through the Son's mediation. This verse establishes Jesus' role as mediator - prayers offered in His name receive divine response. The promise assumes prayers aligned with God's redemptive purposes. Jesus' confident 'I will do it' (touto poieso) asserts His divine authority to act.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish practice, invoking a name meant appealing to that person's authority and character. Kings' decrees were issued 'in the king's name.' Jesus authorizes believers to pray in His name - an astounding grant of access to divine authority. Early Christians prayed 'through Jesus Christ our Lord,' a formula still used in liturgy. The promise addressed disciples' impending loss of Jesus' physical presence - though absent, He remains accessible through prayer. Church history shows debate about prayer's mechanics - how does Christ's mediation work? Reformers emphasized Christ's priestly intercession (Hebrews 7:25). Catholic tradition added Mary and saints as additional mediators, which Reformation rejected. The promise requires wisdom - it's not manipulation but submission, not claiming but asking, not demanding but trusting.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to ask 'in Jesus' name' - is it merely a formula or does it require alignment with His character and will?
  2. How does the purpose clause 'that the Father may be glorified' qualify the 'whatsoever' of this promise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

2 of 18
G3739

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

τι3 of 18
G5100

some or any person or object

ἂν4 of 18
G302

whatsoever

αἰτήσητε5 of 18

ye shall ask

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

ἐν6 of 18

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 18
G3588

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

ὀνόματί8 of 18

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου9 of 18

my

G3450

of me

τοῦτο10 of 18

that

G5124

that thing

ποιήσω11 of 18

will I do

G4160

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

ἵνα12 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δοξασθῇ13 of 18

may be glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

14 of 18
G3588

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

πατὴρ15 of 18

the Father

G3962

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

ἐν16 of 18

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ17 of 18
G3588

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

υἱῷ·18 of 18

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship


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 14:13 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 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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