King James Version

What Does John 14:30 Mean?

John 14:30 in the King James Version says “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 14:30 · KJV


Context

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me (οὐκέτι πολλὰ λαλήσω μεθ' ὑμῶν, ἔρχεται γὰρ ὁ τοῦ κόσμου ἄρχων καὶ ἐν ἐμοὶ οὐκ ἔχει οὐδέν, ouketi polla lalēsō meth' hymōn, erchetai gar ho tou kosmou archōn kai en emoi ouk echei ouden)—Jesus announces His teaching time is ending because the prince of this world (ὁ τοῦ κόσμου ἄρχων, ho tou kosmou archōn, Satan) approaches—Judas's betrayal and the crucifixion plot. Yet critically, Satan hath nothing in me (ἐν ἐμοὶ οὐκ ἔχει οὐδέν, en emoi ouk echei ouden)—no sin, no claim, no foothold. Jesus is perfectly sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22).

This affirms Christ's qualification as spotless sacrifice. Satan has claims on all humanity through sin (Romans 3:23), but Jesus is immune—no inherited sin nature, no personal sin, no vulnerability to temptation that resulted in sin. His voluntary death is therefore substitutionary, not deserved punishment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This statement came shortly before Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room for Gethsemane (John 14:31). Within hours, Satan's attack through Judas, the Jewish leaders, and Roman authorities would commence. Yet Jesus confidently asserted Satan's powerlessness over Him—death would come by choice, not conquest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's sinlessness—Satan having 'nothing in Him'—qualify Him as the perfect sacrifice for sin?
  2. What does it mean that Satan is 'prince of this world'—what power does he have, and what are its limits?
  3. How should Christians respond to satanic attack knowing that Satan had no claim on sinless Jesus yet has claims on us through remaining sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὐκ1 of 19
G3756

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

ἔτι2 of 19

Hereafter

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

πολλὰ3 of 19

much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

λαλήσω4 of 19

I will

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

μεθ'5 of 19

with

G3326

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

ὑμῶν6 of 19

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἔρχεται7 of 19

cometh

G2064

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

γὰρ8 of 19

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

9 of 19
G3588

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

τοῦ10 of 19
G3588

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

κόσμου11 of 19

world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τούτου12 of 19

of this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

ἄρχων·13 of 19

the prince

G758

a first (in rank or power)

καὶ14 of 19

and

G2532

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

ἐν15 of 19

in

G1722

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

ἐμοὶ16 of 19

me

G1698

to me

οὐκ17 of 19
G3756

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

ἔχει18 of 19

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οὐδέν19 of 19

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing


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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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