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Thursday, October 17th, 2024
the Week of Proper 23 / Ordinary 28
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Read the Bible

Contemporary English Version

John 14:12

I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Faith;   God;   Jesus, the Christ;   Jesus Continued;   Miracles;   Philip;   Righteous;   Thompson Chain Reference - Believers;   Christ's;   Faith;   Faith-Unbelief;   Future, the;   God's;   Heaven;   Heavenly;   Home;   Morning Glories, Seven;   Promises, Divine;   Seven;   Verily, Verily;   Verily, Verily's of Christ;   The Topic Concordance - Belief;   Giving and Gifts;   Holy Spirit;   Jesus Christ;   Love;   Obedience;   Prayer;   Understanding;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Conduct, Christian;   Miracles;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Holy spirit;   Resurrection;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Work;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Holy Ghost;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Baptism of the Holy Spirit;   Church;   Gospel;   Works;   Worship;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Children (Sons) of God;   Faith;   God;   Holy Spirit;   John, Theology of;   Power;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Atonement (2);   Authority of Christ;   Character;   Coming Again;   Common Life;   Communion (2);   Death of Christ;   Devotion;   Faith ;   Force;   Manuscripts;   Organization (2);   Power;   Prophet;   Son of God;   The Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary - Fruit;   Pentecost;   Samuel;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Jesus of Nazareth;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Ascension;   Authority in Religion;   Keys, Power of;  

Devotionals:

- Every Day Light - Devotion for October 6;   Today's Word from Skip Moen - Devotion for July 23;   My Utmost for His Highest - Devotion for October 17;  

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
"I can assure you that whoever believes in me will do the same things I have done. And they will do even greater things than I have done, because I am going to the Father.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Verely verely I saye vnto you: he that beleveth on me the workes that I doo the same shall he do and greater workes then these shall he do because I go vnto my father.
Hebrew Names Version
Most assuredly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these will he do; because I am going to my Father.
International Standard Version
"Truly, truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father.Matthew 21:21; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17;">[xr]
New American Standard Bible
"Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.
New Century Version
I tell you the truth, whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Update Bible Version
Truly, truly, I say to you, he that believes on me, the works that I do he shall do also; and greater [works] than these he shall do; because I go to the Father.
Webster's Bible Translation
Verily, verily, I say to you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go to my Father.
English Standard Version
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
World English Bible
Most assuredly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these will he do; because I am going to my Father.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works which I do, shall he do also; and greater than these shall he do, because I go to my Father.
Weymouth's New Testament
In most solemn truth I tell you that he who trusts in me--the things which I do he shall do also; and greater things than these he shall do, because I am going to the Father.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Ellis bileue ye for thilke werkis. Treuli, treuli, Y seie to you, if a man bileueth in me, also he schal do the werkis that Y do; and he schal do grettere werkis than these, for Y go to the fadir.
English Revised Version
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
Berean Standard Bible
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Amplified Bible
"I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.
American Standard Version
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
Bible in Basic English
Truly I say to you, He who puts his faith in me will do the very works which I do, and he will do greater things than these, because I am going to my Father.
Complete Jewish Bible
Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father.
Darby Translation
Verily, verily, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works which I do shall he do also, and he shall do greater than these, because I go to the Father.
Etheridge Translation
Amen, amen, I say to you, That whosoever believeth in me, these works that I do shall he do also; and more than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.
Murdock Translation
Verily, verily, I say to you: He that believeth in me, the works which I do, will he also do. And greater than these will he do, because I go unto my Father.
King James Version (1611)
Uerely, verely I say vnto you, he that beleeueth on me, the works that I doe, shall hee doe also, and greater workes then these shall he doe, because I goe vnto my Father.
New Living Translation
"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
New Life Bible
For sure, I tell you, whoever puts his trust in Me can do the things I am doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.
New Revised Standard
Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Verely, verely I say vnto you, he that beleeueth in me, the workes that I doe, hee shall doe also, and greater then these shall he doe: for I goe vnto my Father.
George Lamsa Translation
Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes in me, the works which I do he shall do also; even greater than these things he shall do, because I am going to my Father.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Verily, verily, I say unto you - He that believeth on me, the works which, I, am doing, he also, shall do; and, greater than these, shall he do, because, I, unto the Father, am going, -
Douay-Rheims Bible
Otherwise believe for the very works’ sake. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do.
Revised Standard Version
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Ueryly, veryly I say vnto you, he that beleueth on me, the workes that I do, the same shal he do also, and greater workes then these shall he do, because I go vnto the father.
Good News Translation
I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do—yes, they will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father.
Christian Standard Bible®
“Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me
King James Version
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Lexham English Bible
Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in me, the works that I am doing he will do also, and he will do greater works than these because I am going to the Father.
Literal Translation
Indeed, I tell you truly, the one believing into Me, the works which I do, that one shall do also, and greater than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
Young's Literal Translation
`Verily, verily, I say to you, he who is believing in me, the works that I do -- that one also shall do, and greater than these he shall do, because I go on to my Father;
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Verely verely I saye vnto you: He that beleueth on me, shal do the workes that I do, and shal do greater then these: for I go to the father.
Mace New Testament (1729)
I assure you, he that believeth on me, shall likewise perform the works that I do; nay, greater works than these shall he do; because for that end am I going to my father.
New English Translation
I tell you the solemn truth, the person who believes in me will perform the miraculous deeds that I am doing, and will perform greater deeds than these, because I am going to the Father.
New King James Version
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
Simplified Cowboy Version
The truth is, the cowboy who rides for me will do the same miracles I have done. Better yet, they will do things greater than these because I'm going home to my Father.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
Legacy Standard Bible
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to the Father.

Contextual Overview

12 I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father. 13 Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. 14 I will do whatever you ask me to do.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

the: Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:13, Mark 16:17, Luke 10:17-19, Acts 3:6-8, Acts 4:9-12, Acts 4:16, Acts 4:33, Acts 8:7, Acts 9:34, Acts 9:40, Acts 16:18, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:11

greater: Acts 2:4-11, Acts 2:41, Acts 4:4, Acts 5:15, Acts 6:7, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:12, Romans 15:19

because: John 14:28, John 7:39, John 16:7, Acts 2:33

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 2:9 - Elisha said 2 Kings 2:14 - smote 2 Kings 20:10 - General Matthew 5:18 - verily Matthew 11:5 - blind Luke 9:1 - gave John 1:51 - Verily Acts 1:15 - an Acts 2:43 - many Acts 3:16 - through Acts 4:31 - spake Acts 5:16 - bringing Acts 14:10 - Stand Acts 19:11 - General

Cross-References

Genesis 14:11
Their enemies took everything of value from Sodom and Gomorrah, including their food supplies.
Genesis 14:12
They also captured Abram's nephew Lot, who lived in Sodom. They took him and his possessions and then left.
Genesis 14:13
At this time Abram the Hebrew was living near the oaks that belonged to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his brothers Eshcol and Aner were Abram's friends. Someone who had escaped from the battle told Abram
Genesis 14:17
Abram returned after he had defeated King Chedorlaomer and the other kings. Then the king of Sodom went to meet Abram in Shaveh Valley, which is also known as King's Valley.
Genesis 14:19
and said to Abram: "I bless you in the name of God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
Numbers 16:26
Then Moses warned the people, "Get away from the tents of these sinful men! Don't touch anything that belongs to them or you'll be wiped out."
Job 9:23
When a good person dies a sudden death, God sits back and laughs.
Revelation 3:19
I correct and punish everyone I love. So make up your minds to turn away from your sins.
Revelation 18:4
Then I heard another voice from heaven shout, "My people, you must escape from Babylon. Don't take part in her sins and share her punishment.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me,.... Having mentioned his miracles as proofs of his deity, he assures his disciples, in order to comfort them under the loss of his bodily presence, that they should do the same, and greater works; for we are not to understand these words of everyone that believes in Christ, of every private believer in him, but only of the apostles, and each of them, that were true believers in him: to whom he says,

the works that I do shall he do also; he shall raise the dead, heal all manner of diseases, and cast out devils; things which Christ gave his apostles power to do, when he first gave them a commission to preach the Gospel, and when he renewed and enlarged it: and which they did perform, not in their own name, and by their own power, but in the name, and by the power of Christ:

and greater works than these shall he do; meaning, not greater in nature and kind, but more in number; for the apostles, in a long series of time, and course of years, went about preaching the Gospel, not in Judea only, but in all the world; "God also bearing them witness with signs and wonders, and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost", Hebrews 2:4, wherever they went: though perhaps by these greater works may be meant the many instances of conversion, which the apostles were instrumental in, and which were more in number than those which were under our Lord's personal ministry: besides, the conversion of a sinner is a greater work than any of the miracles of raising the dead, c. for this includes in it all miracles: here we may see a sinner, dead in trespasses and sins, quickened one born blind made to see; one who was deaf to the threatenings of the law, and to the charming voice of the Gospel, made to hear, so as to live; and one that had the spreading leprosy of sin all over him, cleansed from it by the blood of the Lamb yea, though a miracle in nature is an instance and proof of divine power, yet the conversion of a sinner, which is a miracle in grace, is not only an instance of the power of God, and of the greatness of it, but of the exceeding greatness of it: and the rather one may be induced to give in to this sense of the passage, since it is added, as a reason,

because I go to my Father; and upon my ascension the Spirit will be given, to you, which shall not only enable you to perform miracles, as proofs of your apostleship, and the doctrine you preach, but which shall powerfully attend the Gospel to the conversion of multitudes of souls.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He that believeth on me - This promise had doubtless special reference to the apostles themselves. They were full of grief at his departure, and Jesus, in order to console them, directed them to the great honor which was to be conferred on them, and to the assurance that God would not leave them, but would attend them in their ministry with the demonstrations of his mighty power. It cannot be understood of all his followers, for the circumstances of the promise do not require us to understand it thus, and it has not been a matter of fact that All Christians have possessed power to do greater works than the Lord Jesus. It is a general promise that greater works than he performed should be done by his followers, without specifying that all his followers would be instrumental in doing them.

The works that I do - The miracles of healing the sick, raising the dead, etc. This was done by the apostles in many instances. See Acts 5:15; Acts 19:12; Acts 13:11; Acts 5:1-10.

Greater works than these shall he do - Interpreters have been at a loss in what way to understand this. The most probable meaning of the passage is the following: The word “greater” cannot refer to the miracles themselves, for the works of the apostles did not exceed those of Jesus in power. No higher exertion of power was put forth, or could be, than raising the dead. But, though not greater in themselves considered, yet they were greater in their effects. They made a deeper impression on mankind. They were attended with more extensive results. They were the means of the conversion of more sinners. The works of Jesus were confined to Judea. They were seen by few. The works of the apostles were witnessed by many nations, and the effect of their miracles and preaching was that thousands from among the Jews and Gentiles were converted to the Christian faith. The word “greater” here is used, therefore, not to denote the absolute exertion of power, but the effect which the miracles would have on mankind. The word “works” here probably denotes not merely miracles, but all things that the apostles did that made an impression on mankind, including their travels, their labors, their doctrine, etc.

Because I go unto my Father - He would there intercede for them, and especially by his going to the Father the Holy Spirit would he sent down to attend them in their ministry, John 14:26, John 14:28; John 16:7-14. See Matthew 28:18. By his going to the Father is particularly denoted his exaltation to heaven, and his being placed as head over all things to his church, Ephesians 1:20-23; Philippians 2:9-11. By his being exalted there the Holy Spirit was given John 16:7, and by his power thus put forth the Gentiles were brought to hear and obey the gospel.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse John 14:12. And greater works than these — The miracles which I have wrought could not have been wrought but by the omnipotence of God; but that omnipotence can work greater. And those who believe on my name shall, through my almighty power, be enabled to work greater miracles than those which l have ordinarily wrought. An impostor might seduce the people by false miracles; but he could not make his power and cunning pass to all those who were seduced by him: but I will give you this proof of the divinity of my mission and the truth of my doctrine.

Perhaps the greater works refer to the immense multitudes that were brought to God by the ministry of the apostles. By the apostles was the doctrine of Christ spread far and wide; while Christ confined his ministry chiefly to the precincts of Judea. It is certainly the greatest miracle of Divine grace to convert the obstinate, wicked heart of man from sin to holiness. This was done in numberless cases by the disciples, who were endued with power from on high, while proclaiming remission of sins through faith in his blood.

Some account for the greater works thus:

1. The very shadow of Peter healed the diseased, Acts 5:15.

2. Diseases were cured, and demons cast out, by applying to the persons handkerchiefs and aprons that had before touched the body of Paul, Acts 19:12.

3. By the word of Peter, Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead, Acts 5:5; Acts 5:9-10.

4. Elymas the sorcerer was struck blind by the word of Paul, Acts 13:11.

5. Christ only preached in Judea, and in the language only of that country; but the apostles preached through the most of the then known world, and in all the languages of all countries. But let it be remarked that all this was done by the power of Christ; and I think it still more natural to attribute the greater works to the greater number of conversions made under the apostles' ministry. The reason which our Lord gives for this is worthy of deep attention:-

Because I go unto my Father. — Where I shall be an Intercessor for you, that:-


 
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