The Meaning of John 14:12 Explained

John 14:12

KJV: 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.

YLT: 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;

Darby: 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.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does John 14:12 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Jesus prefaced another startling and important revelation with His customary phrase that John noted often in his Gospel. He stressed the importance of believing what He revealed about His divine identity by unveiling the consequences of believing that He was the divine Messiah.
The interpretation of the works that those who believe on Jesus would do, which commentators have found difficult, depends on how Jesus described them. He said that the basis for these and greater works would be His going to the Father. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to indwell every believer ( Acts 2:3; cf. Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13). This divine enablement empowered believers to do miracles that only Jesus Himself could do previously. The Book of Acts records the apostles doing many of the same miracles that Jesus had done in the Gospels.
The disciples would do even greater works than Jesus in the sense that their works would have greater effects than His works had. During Jesus" earthly ministry relatively few people believed on Him, but after His ascension many more did. The miracle of regeneration multiplied after Jesus ascended to heaven and the Father sent the Holy Spirit. Three thousand people became believers in Jesus on the day of Pentecost alone ( Acts 2:41). The church thoroughly permeated the Roman Empire during the apostolic age whereas Jesus" personal ministry did not extend beyond Palestine. The whole Book of Acts is proof that what Jesus predicted here happened (cf. Acts 1:1-2; Acts 1:8). The mighty works of conversion are more in view here than a few miracles of healing.
Jesus probably did not mean that His disciples would do more stupendous miracles than He did. Feeding multitudes from a small lunch and raising people from the dead are hard miracles to supersede. We should not assume either that Jesus meant that these miracles would continue throughout church history as they existed in the apostolic era. Church history has shown that they died out almost entirely after the apostolic age, and the New Testament, while it does not specifically predict that, implies that they would ( 1 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).

Context Summary

John 14:12-24 - The Spirit Of Truth
There is no adequate translation for the word Paraclete. It may be rendered "interpreter," "comforter," "advocate," but no one word suffices. The Greek means "one whom you call to your side in the battle or law-court." His advent depends upon the praying Christ (I will pray the Father), and upon the praying Church (ye shall ask). The Holy Spirit must be a person, or He could not be compared as "another" to Christ. It is characteristic of this dispensation that He shall be in us, and His indwelling brings with it that of the Father and the Son.
"We will"¦ make our abode." That word abode is the same Greek word as is rendered mansions in the former part of this chapter. God prepares a mansion for those who believe in Christ, and asks in return that we shall prepare our hearts as guest chambers for Him to dwell in. As He enters the loving, cleansed, and believing heart, we hear Him say: "This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it," Psalms 132:14. And what a word is that, my Father will love him. That He should love the world is wonderful, but that He should love us would be incredible, were He not infinite, and did He not see us in Jesus Christ our Lord. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 14

1  Jesus comforts his disciples with the hope of heaven;
5  professes himself the way, the truth, and the life, and one with the Father;
13  assures their prayers to be effectual;
15  requires obedience;
16  promises the Comforter;
27  and leaves his peace with them

Greek Commentary for John 14:12

Shall he do also [κακεινος ποιησει]
Emphatic pronoun εκεινος — ekeinos “that one also.” Greater works than these Comparative adjective neuter plural from μεγας — megas with ablative case τουτων — toutōn Not necessarily greater miracles and not greater spiritual works in quality, but greater in quantity. Cf. Peter at Pentecost and Paul‘s mission tours. “Because I go” Reason for this expansion made possible by the Holy Spirit as Paraclete (John 16:7). [source]
Greater works []
Not more remarkable miracles, but referring to the wider work of the apostolic ministry under the dispensation of the Spirit. This work was of a higher nature than mere bodily cures. Godet truthfully says: “That which was done by St. Peter at Pentecost, by St. Paul all over the world, that which is effected by an ordinary preacher, a single believer, by bringing the Spirit into the heart, could not be done by Jesus during His sojourn in this world.” Jesus' personal ministry in the flesh must be a local ministry. Only under the dispensation of the Spirit could it be universal. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 14:12

John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover [προ δε της εορτης του πασχα]
Just before, John means, not twenty-four hours before, that is our Thursday evening (beginning of 15th of Nisan, sunset to sunset Jewish day), since Jesus was crucified on Friday 15th of Nisan. Hence Jesus ate the regular passover meal at the usual time. The whole feast, including the feast of unleavened bread, lasted eight days. For a discussion of the objections to this interpretation of John in connexion with the Synoptic Gospels one may consult my Harmony of the Gospels, pp. 279-84, and David Smith‘s In the Days of His Flesh, Appendix VIII. The passover feast began on the 15th Nisan at sunset, the passover lamb being slain the afternoon of 14th Nisan. There seems no real doubt that this meal in John 13:1-30 is the real passover meal described by the Synoptics also (Mark 14:18-21; Matthew 26:21-25; Luke 22:21-23), followed by the institution of the Lord‘s Supper. Thus understood John 13:1 here serves as an introduction to the great esoteric teaching of Christ to the apostles (John 13:2-17:26), called by Barnas Sears The Heart of Christ. This phrase goes with the principal verb ηγαπησεν — ēgapēsen (loved). Knowing Second perfect active participle, emphasizing the full consciousness of Christ. He was not stumbling into the dark as he faced “his hour” See John 18:4; John 19:28 for other examples of the insight and foresight (Bernard) of Jesus concerning his death. See on John 12:23 for use before by Jesus. That he should depart Sub-final use of ινα — hina with second aorist active subjunctive of μεταβαινω — metabainō old word, to go from one place to another, here (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14) to go from this world (John 8:23) back to the Father from whom he had come (John 14:12, John 14:28; John 16:10, John 16:28; John 17:5). His own which were in the world His own disciples (John 17:6, John 17:9, John 17:11), those left in the world when he goes to the Father, not the Jews as in John 1:11. See Acts 4:23; 1 Timothy 5:8 for the idiom. John pictures here the outgoing of Christ‘s very heart‘s love (chs. John 13-17) towards these men whom he had chosen and whom he loved “unto the end” (εις τελος — eis telos) as in Matthew 10:22; Luke 18:15, but here as in 1 Thessalonians 2:16 rather “to the uttermost.” The culmination of the crisis (“his hour”) naturally drew out the fulness of Christ‘s love for them as is shown in these great chapters (John 13-17). [source]
John 14:13 Whatsoever ye shall ask [οτι αν αιτησητε]
Indefinite relative clause with οτι — hoti (neuter accusative singular of οστις — hostis), αν — an and the aorist active subjunctive of αιτεω — aiteō This is an advance thought over John 14:12. In my name First mention of his “name” as the open sesame to the Father‘s will. See also John 14:26; John 15:16; John 16:23, John 16:24, John 16:26. That will I do The Father answers prayers (John 15:16; John 16:23), but so does the Son (here and John 14:14). The purpose (ινα — hina clause with first aorist passive subjunctive of δοχαζω — doxazō) is “that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Plead Christ‘s name in prayer to the Father. [source]
John 14:28 I go away, and I come [υπαγω και ερχομαι]
If ye loved me Second-class condition with the imperfect active of αγαπαω — agapaō referring to present time, implying that the disciples are not loving Jesus as they should. Ye would have rejoiced Second aorist passive indicative of χαιρω — chairō with αν — an conclusion of second-class condition referring to past time, “Ye would already have rejoiced before this” at Christ‘s going to the Father (John 14:12). Greater than I Ablative case μου — mou after the comparative μειζων — meizōn (from positive μεγας — megas). The filial relation makes this necessary. Not a distinction in nature or essence (cf. John 10:30), but in rank in the Trinity. No Arianism or Unitarianism here. The very explanation here is proof of the deity of the Son (Dods). [source]
John 17:11 And these [και ουτοι]
Note adversative use of και — kai (= but these). I come Futuristic present, “I am coming.” Cf. John 13:3; John 14:12; John 17:13. Christ will no longer be visibly present to the world, but he will be with the believers through the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:20). Holy Father Only here in the N.T., but see 1 John 2:20; Luke 1:49 for the holiness of God, a thoroughly Jewish conception. See John 6:69 where Peter calls Jesus ο αγιος του τεου — ho hagios tou theou For the word applied to saints see Acts 9:13. See John 17:25 for πατηρ δικαιε — patēr dikaie (Righteous Father). Keep them First aorist (constative) active imperative of τηρεω — tēreō as now specially needing the Father‘s care with Jesus gone (urgency of the aorist tense in prayer). Which Locative case of the neuter relative singular, attracted from the accusative ο — ho to the case of the antecedent ονοματι — onomati (name). That they may be one Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the present active subjunctive of ειμι — eimi (that they may keep on being). Oneness of will and spirit This is Christ‘s prayer for all believers, for unity, not for organic union of which we hear so much. The disciples had union, but lacked unity or oneness of spirit as was shown this very evening at the supper (Luke 22:24; John 13:4-15). Jesus offers the unity in the Trinity (three persons, but one God) as the model for believers. The witness of the disciples will fail without harmony (John 17:21). [source]
John 5:20 Loveth [πιλει]
In John 3:35 we have αγαπαι — agapāi from αγαπαω — agapaō evidently one verb expressing as noble a love as the other. Sometimes a distinction (John 21:17) is made, but not here, unless πιλεω — phileō presents the notion of intimate friendship Τουτων — Toutōn is ablative case after the comparative μειζονα — meizona (from μεγας — megas great). John often uses εργα — erga for the miracles of Christ (John 5:36; John 7:3, John 7:21; John 10:25, John 10:32, John 10:38, etc.). It is the Father who does these works (John 14:10). There is more to follow. Even the disciples will surpass what Christ is doing in the extent of the work (John 14:12). Δειχει — Deixei is future active indicative of δεικνυμι — deiknumi to show. See also John 10:32. That ye may marvel Purpose clause with ινα — hina and present active subjunctive of ταυμαζω — thaumazō Wonder belongs to childhood and to men of knowledge. Modern science has increased the occasion for wonder. Clement of Alexandria has a saying of Jesus: “He that wonders shall reign, and he that reigns shall rest.” [source]
1 John 3:22 Whatsoever we ask [ο εαν αιτωμεν]
Indefinite relative clause with modal αν — an and the present active subjunctive, like οτι εαν καταγινωσκηι — hoti ean kataginōskēi in 1 John 3:20. In form no limitations are placed here save that of complete fellowship with God, which means complete surrender of our will to that of God our Father. See the clear teaching of Jesus on this subject in Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; John 14:12.; John 16:23 and his example (Mark 14:36; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42). The answer may not always be in the form that we expect, but it will be better. [source]
Revelation 13:13 That he should even make fire come down out of heaven [ινα και πυρ ποιηι εκ του ουρανου καταβαινειν]
Purpose clause again with ινα — hina and the present active subjunctive of ποιεω — poieō and the object infinitive of καταβαινω — katabainō after ποιει — poiei Christ promised great signs to the disciples (John 14:12), but he also warned them against false prophets and false christs with their signs and wonders (Mark 13:22). So also Paul had pictured the power of the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Elijah had called down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10) and James and John had once even urged Jesus to do this miracle (Luke 9:54). [source]

What do the individual words in John 14:12 mean?

Truly I say to you the [one] believing in Me the works that I do also he will do and greater than these he will do because to the Father am going
Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ τὰ ἔργα ἐγὼ ποιῶ κἀκεῖνος ποιήσει καὶ μείζονα τούτων ποιήσει ὅτι πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα πορεύομαι

Ἀμὴν  Truly 
Parse: Hebrew Word
Root: ἀμήν  
Sense: firm.
λέγω  I  say 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
ὑμῖν  to  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Plural
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
  the  [one] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πιστεύων  believing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πιστεύω  
Sense: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.
ἐμὲ  Me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἔργα  works 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ἔργον  
Sense: business, employment, that which any one is occupied.
  that 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
κἀκεῖνος  also  he 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κἀκεῖνος  
Sense: and he, he also.
ποιήσει  will  do 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
μείζονα  greater 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Plural, Comparative
Root: μέγας  
Sense: great.
τούτων  than  these 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
ποιήσει  he  will  do 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
ὅτι  because 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
Πατέρα  Father 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: προπάτωρ 
Sense: generator or male ancestor.
πορεύομαι  am  going 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 1st Person Singular
Root: πορεύομαι  
Sense: to lead over, carry over, transfer.