King James Version

What Does John 14:6 Mean?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Context

4

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

Topics in This Verse

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **I am the way.**—The pronoun is emphatic. “I, and none besides Me.” “The way” is again made prominent, reversing the order which Thomas had used. He and He only is the means through which men can approach to the Father. (Comp. Notes on John 1:18, and on 1Timothy 2:5.) **The truth, and the life.**—Better, *and the Truth, and the Life.* The thought of His being the Way through which men come to the Father is the reverse side of the thought, that in Him the Father is revealed to men, that He is Himself the Eternal Truth, that He is Himself the Source of eternal life. (Comp. John 1:14; John 1:17; John 6:50-51; John 11:25-26.) Had they known what His earlier words meant, they would have had other than temporal and local thoughts of the Father’s house, and would have known Him to be the Way. **No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.**—This was the answer to the doubt of Thomas. This was the true “whither” which they knew not. The thought of heaven is not of a place far above, or of a time far before, but of a state now and hereafter. To receive the Truth and the Life revealed in the presence of the Son is to come to the Father by the only Way. To be with the Father is home. (Comp. Notes on John 1:18; John 3:13.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 14:6 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 14:6

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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