John 7:29
But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
Original Language Analysis
οἶδα
know
G1492
οἶδα
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 11
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
παρ'
from
G3844
παρ'
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
Cross References
John 8:55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.John 17:18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.John 6:46Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Historical Context
This claim to be 'from' the Father and 'sent' by Him asserts divine origin and authority. First-century Jews would understand this as claiming preexistence and divine status. John's prologue established this (1:1-14); now Jesus explicitly claims it. The early church's Christology developed from such statements—Jesus isn't merely human messenger but divine Son.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's claim to be 'from' the Father reveal about His nature?
- How does being 'sent' relate to the Trinity's internal relationships?
- Why is Jesus alone able to perfectly reveal the Father?
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Analysis & Commentary
But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. Jesus contrasts their ignorance with His knowledge. 'I know him' (egō oida auton) claims intimate relationship. The reason: 'I am from him' (par' autou eimi)—Jesus's origin is the Father. The phrase 'he hath sent me' (kakeinos me apesteilen) emphasizes divine mission. Reformed theology sees here Jesus's unique relationship to the Father—eternal generation, missional sending, complete unity. Jesus alone perfectly knows and reveals the Father.