John 16:28
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Original Language Analysis
παρὰ
from
G3844
παρὰ
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
the Father
G3962
πατέρα
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 18
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλήλυθα
am come
G2064
ἐλήλυθα
am come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
the world
G2889
κόσμον
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
9 of 18
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
10 of 18
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
the world
G2889
κόσμον
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
13 of 18
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 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορεύομαι
go
G4198
πορεύομαι
go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
15 of 18
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
16 of 18
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,
Cross References
John 13:1Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.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;John 8:14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.John 16:5But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?John 17:5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.John 16:16A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.John 14:28Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.Luke 24:51And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
Historical Context
This verse encapsulates Johannine Christology: Christ's pre-existence with the Father (John 1:1-2), His incarnation (John 1:14), and His return to glory (John 17:5). For John's late first-century audience facing early Gnostic heresies that denied either Christ's true humanity or His true deity, this verse affirms both—He genuinely entered the world (contra docetism) yet came from the Father and returns to Him (affirming full divinity). The Nicene and Chalcedonian creeds would later formalize these truths.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the full arc of Christ's mission—from eternity, through incarnation, to glorification—shape your understanding of redemption?
- What does Jesus's sovereign control over His departure ("I leave") teach about His willing sacrifice at Calvary?
- How does Christ's return to the Father affect our hope and future (John 14:2-3)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world (ἐξῆλθον παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ ἐλήλυθα εἰς τὸν κόσμον)—This is one of the clearest statements of Christ's pre-existence and incarnation in Scripture. The aorist tense "came forth" (ἐξῆλθον/exēlthon) points to a definite historical moment—the eternal Son's procession from the Father. The perfect tense "am come" (ἐλήλυθα/elēlytha) indicates He has come and remains present—the incarnation is an accomplished, continuing reality.
Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father (πάλιν ἀφίημι τὸν κόσμον καὶ πορεύομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα)—Jesus here summarizes the entire arc of redemptive history: the Son's descent from heaven, His entrance into creation, and His return to glory through death, resurrection, and ascension. The present tense verbs ("leave," "go") spoken hours before the cross show Jesus's sovereign control over His mission—He isn't a victim but the willing executor of the Father's plan.