John 7:33
Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μικρὸν
a little
G3398
μικρὸν
a little
Strong's:
G3398
Word #:
7 of 17
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
χρόνον
while
G5550
χρόνον
while
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
8 of 17
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπάγω
then I go
G5217
ὑπάγω
then I go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
13 of 17
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
14 of 17
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,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 13:33Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.John 16:5But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?John 17:13And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.John 17:11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Historical Context
Jesus repeatedly predicted His departure (John 8:21, 12:35, 13:33, 14:19, 16:16-19). The disciples couldn't comprehend this until after resurrection. Jesus's 'going' encompasses crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—return to the Father's presence from which He came. Early Christian theology emphasized Christ's return to glory as proof of His victory, not defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's 'going to the Father' mean?
- How does His departure relate to His mission?
- Why couldn't disciples understand this before resurrection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Jesus announces His imminent departure. 'Yet a little while' (eti chronon mikron) indicates limited time remaining. 'I go unto him that sent me' refers to His return to the Father via death, resurrection, and ascension. This isn't defeat but fulfillment—He completes His mission and returns to glory. The phrase emphasizes Jesus's divine origin and destination.