King James Version

What Does John 21:25 Mean?

John 21:25 in the King James Version says “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that eve... — study this verse from John chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

John 21:25 · KJV


Context

23

Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

24

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John concludes his Gospel with hyperbole: if every deed of Jesus were written, 'the world itself could not contain the books.' This emphasizes the inexhaustible significance of Christ's life and works. John has been selective (20:30-31), choosing signs that demonstrate Jesus as Messiah. This closing statement invites readers to ponder Christ's infinite worth—no library could exhaust His glory. The literary device emphasizes that John's Gospel, though sufficient for faith, barely scratches the surface of Christ's magnificence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient manuscripts end with 'Amen', affirming the testimony's truth. This verse answers potential criticism: 'Why didn't you include more?' John's response: I included enough for belief (20:31), yet Christ's works are infinite. Early church fathers saw this as John's humility—acknowledging the Spirit selected which events to record.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does contemplating the vastness of Christ's works deepen your worship?
  2. What does this verse teach about the sufficiency of Scripture for faith and practice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Ἔστιν1 of 24

there are

G2076

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

δὲ2 of 24

And

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 24

also

G2532

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

ἄλλα4 of 24

other things

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

πολλὰ5 of 24

many

G4183

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

ὃσα6 of 24

which

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίησεν7 of 24

did

G4160

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

8 of 24
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς9 of 24

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἅτινα10 of 24

the which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐὰν11 of 24

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γραφόμενα12 of 24

that should be written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

καθ'13 of 24

every

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἕν14 of 24

one

G1520

one

οὐδὲ15 of 24

could not

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

αὐτὸν16 of 24

itself

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

οἶμαι17 of 24

I suppose

G3633

to make like (oneself), i.e., imagine (be of the opinion)

τὸν18 of 24
G3588

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

κόσμον19 of 24

the world

G2889

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

χωρῆσαι20 of 24

contain

G5562

to be in (give) space, i.e., (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (literally or figuratively)

τὰ21 of 24
G3588

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

γραφόμενα22 of 24

that should be written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

βιβλία23 of 24

the books

G975

a roll

ἀμήν24 of 24

Amen

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)


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 21:25 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 21:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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