King James Version

What Does John 14:8 Mean?

John 14:8 in the King James Version says “Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 14:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us (δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν πατέρα, καὶ ἀρκεῖ ἡμῖν)—Philip's request reveals a profound misunderstanding. Despite three years with Jesus, he still sought a theophanic vision like Moses at Sinai (Exodus 33:18). The verb deixon (show, reveal) implies wanting a spectacular manifestation, while arkei (it is enough) suggests this would resolve all their doubts.

Jesus's response in verse 9 is one of the most poignant rebukes in Scripture: "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me?" Philip's failure to recognize the full deity of Christ incarnate—that seeing Jesus is seeing the Father—demonstrates how even close disciples struggled with the incarnation's revolutionary claim: God has made himself visible in human flesh (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This exchange occurs in the Upper Room on the night before Jesus's crucifixion (AD 30). Philip, one of the Twelve from Bethsaida (John 1:43-44), had witnessed Jesus's miracles for three years. First-century Jewish expectation anticipated a future revelation of God's glory (Isaiah 40:5), but Philip failed to grasp that this revelation stood before him in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'signs' or 'proofs' do you sometimes demand from God when Jesus himself is the ultimate revelation of the Father?
  2. How does Jesus as the 'image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15) challenge your understanding of who God is and what he values?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
λέγει1 of 11

“saith”

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

αὐτῷ2 of 11

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Φίλιππος3 of 11

“Philip”

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

Κύριε4 of 11

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

δεῖξον5 of 11

“shew”

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

ἡμῖν6 of 11

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

τὸν7 of 11
G3588

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

πατέρα8 of 11

“the Father”

G3962

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

καὶ9 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

ἀρκεῖ10 of 11

“it sufficeth”

G714

properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)

ἡμῖν11 of 11

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

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 14:8 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 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 33:18-23Revelation 22:3-5John 1:43-46John 16:25Psalms 17:15John 6:5-7

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