John 14:4
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπάγω
go
G5217
ὑπάγω
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
4 of 9
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
οἴδατε,
ye know
G1492
οἴδατε,
ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 9
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 10:9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.John 16:28I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.John 6:40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.John 14:2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.John 13:3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
Historical Context
This occurred in the Upper Room on the night of Jesus's betrayal. The disciples were confused and fearful, aware something momentous was approaching but unclear about details. Jesus's teaching prepared them for His crucifixion and absence, though they wouldn't fully understand until after Pentecost (John 14:26).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus being 'the way' rather than merely showing the way shape our understanding of salvation through Him alone?
- What does it mean practically that we already 'know the way' through Jesus's teaching and person—how should this inform our confidence?
- How does Thomas's honest confusion (verse 5) and Jesus's patient answer encourage us to bring our questions and confusion to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Jesus has just told His disciples He goes to prepare a place for them (John 14:2-3). Now He asserts they know both His destination and the route. The Greek καὶ ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω οἴδατε τὴν ὁδόν (kai hopou egō hypagō oidate tēn hodon) uses perfect tense: you have come to know and continue to know.
Jesus's statement seems puzzling—how could they know? Yet He had repeatedly taught He was going to the Father (John 7:33, 13:3, 36). The destination was heaven, the Father's house. The way was through His atoning death, resurrection, and ascension. Though the disciples didn't fully grasp it yet, Jesus had provided the information.
This sets up Thomas's honest question (verse 5) and Jesus's profound answer: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (verse 6). Jesus wasn't describing a path to follow but identifying Himself as the path. The way to the Father is not information or instruction but a Person—Christ Himself.