King James Version

What Does John 14:28 Mean?

John 14:28 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 14:28 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

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.

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.

29

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

30

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

Read John 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you—Jesus reminds them of His previous teaching (14:3). If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I (εἰ ἠγαπᾶτέ με ἐχάρητε ἄν, ὅτι πορεύομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα, ὅτι ὁ πατὴρ μείζων μού ἐστιν, ei ēgapate me echarēte an, hoti poreuomai pros ton patera, hoti ho patēr meizōn mou estin)—This verse requires careful exegesis. My Father is greater than I (ὁ πατὴρ μείζων μού ἐστιν, ho patēr meizōn mou estin) doesn't deny Jesus's deity but acknowledges His voluntary subordination during incarnation (Philippians 2:6-8). The Father is 'greater' (μείζων, meizōn) positionally, not ontologically—Jesus temporarily submitted to human limitations during His earthly ministry.

Jesus says if they loved Him properly, they'd rejoice at His return to glory rather than grieve His departure. His going to the Father means: completed atonement, resumed glory, and sent Spirit (John 16:7). Arians and Jehovah's Witnesses misuse this verse to deny Christ's deity, but context shows Jesus speaks of His mediatorial office during incarnation, not His essential nature (Colossians 2:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This statement came during the Upper Room Discourse before crucifixion. Jesus was preparing disciples for His departure while affirming His unity with the Father (John 14:9-11). Early church councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381) clarified that 'greater' refers to Jesus's voluntary human state, not inequality within the Trinity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Jesus's voluntary submission during incarnation reconcile this verse with His full deity?
  2. What does it mean to love Christ rightly—rejoicing in His glorification rather than selfishly wanting His physical presence?
  3. How should Christians use this verse apologetically when confronted by those who deny Christ's deity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἠκούσατε1 of 28

“Ye have heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι2 of 28

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγὼ3 of 28

“I”

G1473

i, me

εἶπον4 of 28

“I said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὑμῖν5 of 28

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

Ὑπάγω6 of 28

“I go away”

G5217

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

καὶ7 of 28

“and”

G2532

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

ἔρχομαι8 of 28

“come”

G2064

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

πρὸς9 of 28

“again 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,

ὑμᾶς10 of 28

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰ11 of 28

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἠγαπᾶτέ12 of 28

“ye loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

με13 of 28

“me”

G3165

me

ἐχάρητε14 of 28

“ye would rejoice”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ἄν15 of 28
G302

whatsoever

ὅτι16 of 28

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἶπον17 of 28

“I said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πορεύομαι18 of 28

“I go”

G4198

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

πρὸς19 of 28

“again 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,

τὸν20 of 28
G3588

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

πατὴρ21 of 28

“Father”

G3962

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

ὅτι22 of 28

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ23 of 28
G3588

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

πατὴρ24 of 28

“Father”

G3962

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

μού25 of 28

“I”

G3450

of me

μείζων26 of 28

“greater than”

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

μού27 of 28

“I”

G3450

of me

ἐστιν28 of 28

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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 14:28 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 14:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:24-28John 10:29-301 Corinthians 11:3Hebrews 1:2-3Hebrews 2:9-15John 13:16

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