John 12:50
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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
αἰώνιός
everlasting
G166
αἰώνιός
everlasting
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
8 of 20
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
ἃ
whatsoever
G3739
ἃ
whatsoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
11 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
εἴρηκέν
said
G2046
εἴρηκέν
said
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
15 of 20
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
the Father
G3962
πατήρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
18 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.John 6:68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Historical Context
This conclusion reinforces John's Gospel purpose statement (20:31)—that readers might believe and have life through Jesus' name. His words are the Father's words, which are life itself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equation of God's commandment with eternal life establish Scripture's salvific power?
- What does this teach about the inseparable connection between word and life?
- In what ways are you allowing God's word to produce eternal life in your daily experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus concludes by equating the Father's commandment with eternal life. Obedience to God's word produces life, not death. The Father's 'commandment is life everlasting' establishes inseparable connection between divine word and eternal life. Jesus therefore speaks exactly as the Father instructed, guaranteeing His words bring life to believers. This validates sola scriptura—Scripture alone brings salvation because it alone is God's word. The chapter ends affirming that Jesus' teaching, far from being rejected, is the very word of life.