John 14:23
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 29
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 29
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 29
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
Ἐάν
If
G1437
Ἐάν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
7 of 29
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
words
G3056
λόγον
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
12 of 29
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τηρήσει
he will keep
G5083
τηρήσει
he will keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
14 of 29
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 29
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 #:
16 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
Father
G3962
πατήρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
17 of 29
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 29
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
22 of 29
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 29
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
ἐλευσόμεθα
we will come
G2064
ἐλευσόμεθα
we will come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
24 of 29
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρ'
with
G3844
παρ'
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
27 of 29
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
Cross References
John 14:21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.1 John 2:24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.John 10:30I and my Father are one.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.John 6:56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.John 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Historical Context
This verse revolutionizes Israel's temple theology. Solomon's Temple represented God's earthly dwelling, but Christ promises that believers themselves become God's residence through the Spirit. Paul develops this: 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?' (1 Corinthians 3:16). Early Christian apologetics emphasized that Christianity requires no temples - God dwells in His people. This verse undergirds sacramental theology (God's presence in Eucharist) and mystical theology (union with God). Monastic tradition emphasized preparing one's heart as dwelling place through spiritual disciplines. Reformation personalized this - each believer, not just clergy, hosts divine presence. Modern emphasis on corporate worship sometimes neglects this promise of personal divine indwelling. The verse assures that God's presence is not limited to gathered assembly or sacramental moments but abides continuously with loving, obedient believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise that Father and Son will make their abode in believers transform our understanding of sanctification?
- What is the relationship between individual indwelling (verse 23) and corporate indwelling (church as temple)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus answers Judas' question (verse 22) about selective manifestation: 'If a man love me, he will keep my words' (ean tis agapa me ton logon mou teresei). Love produces word-keeping, using logos (word/teaching) comprehensively. The promise follows: 'and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him' (kai ho pater mou agapesei auton kai pros auton eleusometha kai monen par' auto poiesometha). The plural 'we' indicates both Father and Son. The verb poiesometha (we will make) uses the same root as monai (dwelling places) in 14:2. Believers become dwelling places for the triune God - a staggering promise of divine indwelling. This transcends temple theology - God no longer dwells in stone buildings but in human hearts. The condition remains: love demonstrated through word-keeping secures this intimate presence.