John 12:49
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐμαυτοῦ
myself
G1683
ἐμαυτοῦ
myself
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
4 of 20
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψας
which sent
G3992
πέμψας
which sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
9 of 20
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
11 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτός
G846
αὐτός
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 20
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
ἐντολὴν
a commandment
G1785
ἐντολὴν
a commandment
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
14 of 20
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
ἔδωκεν
he gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
he gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 20
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 20
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 14:10Believest 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.John 8:26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.John 5:30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.John 17:8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.Deuteronomy 18:18I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.John 14:31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.John 3:11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.John 8:42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.John 3:32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.John 15:15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Historical Context
Jesus consistently affirmed His teachings came from the Father (7:16; 8:28; 14:24). This claim to divine authorization distinguished Him from rabbis who cited human authorities. His authority was immediate, not derivative.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father model submission in authority structures?
- What does this teach about Scripture's divine origin versus human opinion?
- In what ways does Jesus' example challenge our tendency toward independent thinking versus divine revelation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus affirms He spoke not independently but as the Father commanded. This demonstrates perfect submission—Jesus' teaching originated in divine counsel, not human wisdom. The Father 'gave commandment what I should say, and what I should speak' distinguishes content and delivery. Jesus perfectly executes the Father's will in message and method. This validates Jesus' teaching as divine revelation, not merely human opinion. His subordination in role doesn't diminish equality in essence—the economic Trinity shows functional submission with ontological equality.