John 14:8
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 11
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
Φίλιππος
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππος
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
3 of 11
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
the Father
G3962
πατέρα
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
8 of 11
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 16:25These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.Job 33:26He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
Historical Context
This exchange occurs in the Upper Room on the night before Jesus's crucifixion (AD 30). Philip, one of the Twelve from Bethsaida (John 1:43-44), had witnessed Jesus's miracles for three years. First-century Jewish expectation anticipated a future revelation of God's glory (Isaiah 40:5), but Philip failed to grasp that this revelation stood before him in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'signs' or 'proofs' do you sometimes demand from God when Jesus himself is the ultimate revelation of the Father?
- How does Jesus as the 'image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15) challenge your understanding of who God is and what he values?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us (δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν πατέρα, καὶ ἀρκεῖ ἡμῖν)—Philip's request reveals a profound misunderstanding. Despite three years with Jesus, he still sought a theophanic vision like Moses at Sinai (Exodus 33:18). The verb deixon (show, reveal) implies wanting a spectacular manifestation, while arkei (it is enough) suggests this would resolve all their doubts.
Jesus's response in verse 9 is one of the most poignant rebukes in Scripture: "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me?" Philip's failure to recognize the full deity of Christ incarnate—that seeing Jesus is seeing the Father—demonstrates how even close disciples struggled with the incarnation's revolutionary claim: God has made himself visible in human flesh (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3).