John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Original Language Analysis
ἐάν
If
G1437
ἐάν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
διακονῇ
serve
G1247
διακονῇ
serve
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
3 of 26
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
ἀκολουθείτω
let him follow
G190
ἀκολουθείτω
let him follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
6 of 26
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διάκονος
servant
G1249
διάκονος
servant
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
14 of 26
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐάν
If
G1437
ἐάν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
19 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
διακονῇ
serve
G1247
διακονῇ
serve
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
22 of 26
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
τιμήσει
honour
G5091
τιμήσει
honour
Strong's:
G5091
Word #:
23 of 26
to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
24 of 26
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
Cross References
Colossians 3:24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.2 Corinthians 5:8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.1 John 5:3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.Jude 1:1Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:Psalms 91:15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Historical Context
The servant-master relationship was well-understood in first-century culture. Servants literally followed masters throughout the day, available for any task. This imagery makes Jesus' call to radical availability clear.
Questions for Reflection
- What does following Jesus 'where He is' require practically in your daily life?
- How does divine honor differ from worldly recognition?
- In what ways are you serving Christ by following Him wherever He leads?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus defines discipleship: serving requires following, following requires sharing His location, and the Father honors servants. The progression moves from service to presence to reward. Following Jesus means accompanying Him through death and resurrection. Servants don't choose their path but follow their master. The promise that 'where I am, there shall also my servant be' guarantees eternal communion—disciples share Christ's destiny. The Father's honoring servants demonstrates that humble service receives divine recognition. True greatness is servanthood.