John 12:45
And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
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 #:
2 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεωρεῖ
he that seeth
G2334
θεωρεῖ
he that seeth
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
3 of 8
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
θεωρεῖ
he that seeth
G2334
θεωρεῖ
he that seeth
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
5 of 8
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 1:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;John 12:41These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Historical Context
The incarnation's central mystery is God becoming visible in human flesh. Jesus' claim to perfectly reveal the Father establishes His divine nature and unique mediatorial role (1 Tim 2:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' perfect revelation of the Father demonstrate His deity?
- What does this teach about knowing God through knowing Christ?
- In what ways does contemplating Jesus reveal the Father's character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus states that seeing Him is seeing the Father, advancing His identity claim. This isn't mere representation but substantial unity—to see Jesus' character, works, and words is to see the Father revealed. The Greek verb 'theorei' suggests contemplative seeing, not merely physical sight. Philip later requests, 'show us the Father' (14:8-9), receiving this same answer. This demonstrates the incarnation's purpose: making the invisible God visible (1:18). Jesus fully reveals the Father's nature. Knowing Jesus is knowing God; rejecting Jesus is rejecting God.