John 13:33
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
Original Language Analysis
τεκνία
Little children
G5040
τεκνία
Little children
Strong's:
G5040
Word #:
1 of 25
an infant, i.e., (plural figuratively) darlings (christian converts)
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
4 of 25
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ζητήσετέ
Ye shall seek
G2212
ζητήσετέ
Ye shall seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
7 of 25
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
G3754
ὑπάγω
go
G5217
ὑπάγω
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
16 of 25
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
ἐλθεῖν
come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
21 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Rabbis commonly addressed disciples as children or sons, but teknia is exceptionally tender. Jesus prepares them for His absence—unprecedented for disciples whose entire identity centered on following their rabbi. The Upper Room Discourse (chapters 14-17) elaborates this theme: Jesus is leaving, but the Spirit is coming (John 16:7).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's tender address 'little children' reveal about His pastoral heart even in His darkest hour?
- Why couldn't the disciples follow Jesus immediately to the cross—what work must He accomplish alone?
- How does Jesus's preparation of His disciples for His departure model caring leadership during transitions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Little children (Τεκνία, teknia)—a tender diminutive used only here in the Gospels (but 7x in 1 John), expressing deep affection and paternal care. Jesus's tone shifts from confronting Judas to tenderly preparing His remaining disciples for separation. This term conveys both intimacy and the disciples' spiritual immaturity—they are children who need comfort.
Yet a little while I am with you (ἔτι μικρὸν μεθ' ὑμῶν εἰμι)—Jesus has 18 hours before crucifixion, 40 days until ascension. The phrase recalls John 7:33, where Jesus told hostile Jews the same thing. Now He tells beloved disciples, Whither I go, ye cannot come—they cannot yet follow Him to the cross (v.36) or heaven. His death is a solitary work; atonement cannot be shared.