John 21:25
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
Ἔστιν
there are
G2076
Ἔστιν
there are
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
1 of 24
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλὰ
many
G4183
πολλὰ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 24
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἅτινα
the which
G3748
ἅτινα
the which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
10 of 24
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
11 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γραφόμενα
that should be written
G1125
γραφόμενα
that should be written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
12 of 24
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
καθ'
every
G2596
καθ'
every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
αὐτὸν
itself
G846
αὐτὸν
itself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 24
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
οἶμαι
I suppose
G3633
οἶμαι
I suppose
Strong's:
G3633
Word #:
17 of 24
to make like (oneself), i.e., imagine (be of the opinion)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
the world
G2889
κόσμον
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
19 of 24
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
χωρῆσαι
contain
G5562
χωρῆσαι
contain
Strong's:
G5562
Word #:
20 of 24
to be in (give) space, i.e., (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 40:5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.Psalms 71:15My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.Job 26:14Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?Hebrews 11:32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.Matthew 11:5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.Ecclesiastes 12:12And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Historical Context
Ancient manuscripts end with 'Amen', affirming the testimony's truth. This verse answers potential criticism: 'Why didn't you include more?' John's response: I included enough for belief (20:31), yet Christ's works are infinite. Early church fathers saw this as John's humility—acknowledging the Spirit selected which events to record.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating the vastness of Christ's works deepen your worship?
- What does this verse teach about the sufficiency of Scripture for faith and practice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John concludes his Gospel with hyperbole: if every deed of Jesus were written, 'the world itself could not contain the books.' This emphasizes the inexhaustible significance of Christ's life and works. John has been selective (20:30-31), choosing signs that demonstrate Jesus as Messiah. This closing statement invites readers to ponder Christ's infinite worth—no library could exhaust His glory. The literary device emphasizes that John's Gospel, though sufficient for faith, barely scratches the surface of Christ's magnificence.