John 14:30
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
Original Language Analysis
οὐκ
G3756
πολλὰ
much
G4183
πολλὰ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
3 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
world
G2889
κόσμου
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
11 of 19
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
G3756
Cross References
1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.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.John 12:31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.1 Peter 2:22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:Ephesians 2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Luke 22:53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Historical Context
This statement came shortly before Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room for Gethsemane (John 14:31). Within hours, Satan's attack through Judas, the Jewish leaders, and Roman authorities would commence. Yet Jesus confidently asserted Satan's powerlessness over Him—death would come by choice, not conquest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's sinlessness—Satan having 'nothing in Him'—qualify Him as the perfect sacrifice for sin?
- What does it mean that Satan is 'prince of this world'—what power does he have, and what are its limits?
- How should Christians respond to satanic attack knowing that Satan had no claim on sinless Jesus yet has claims on us through remaining sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me (οὐκέτι πολλὰ λαλήσω μεθ' ὑμῶν, ἔρχεται γὰρ ὁ τοῦ κόσμου ἄρχων καὶ ἐν ἐμοὶ οὐκ ἔχει οὐδέν, ouketi polla lalēsō meth' hymōn, erchetai gar ho tou kosmou archōn kai en emoi ouk echei ouden)—Jesus announces His teaching time is ending because the prince of this world (ὁ τοῦ κόσμου ἄρχων, ho tou kosmou archōn, Satan) approaches—Judas's betrayal and the crucifixion plot. Yet critically, Satan hath nothing in me (ἐν ἐμοὶ οὐκ ἔχει οὐδέν, en emoi ouk echei ouden)—no sin, no claim, no foothold. Jesus is perfectly sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22).
This affirms Christ's qualification as spotless sacrifice. Satan has claims on all humanity through sin (Romans 3:23), but Jesus is immune—no inherited sin nature, no personal sin, no vulnerability to temptation that resulted in sin. His voluntary death is therefore substitutionary, not deserved punishment.