What does John 14:7 mean?

Explanation

John 14:7 is a verse from the Christian New Testament, where Jesus addresses his disciples during the Last Supper. In this passage, Jesus indicates the profound unity between Himself and God the Father.

The verse suggests that to know Jesus is to know God, as Jesus is the physical manifestation and the revelation of God on earth.

When Jesus says, "and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him", He implies that through His works, His teachings, and His very being, He has disclosed the nature and the character of God to His followers.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of John, which was written, according to most scholars, towards the end of the first century AD.

The Gospel is often distinguished from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) by its focus on the spiritual aspect of Jesus' nature and teachings.

John 14 is part of the Farewell Discourse (John 14-17), where Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 14:7 is significant because it addresses the relationship between Jesus and God the Father – a cornerstone of Trinitarian doctrine.

There is a diversity of interpretation within Christianity regarding the nature of this relationship.

Traditional Trinitarian doctrine holds that Jesus is one with God, fully divine and fully human.

Non-Trinitarians may interpret this unity differently, emphasizing the moral or prophetic unity between Jesus and God rather than a consubstantial unity.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse encourages believers to seek a relationship with Jesus as a means of connecting with God.

It suggests that spiritual knowledge and relationship with the divine are accessible through understanding and following the teachings of Jesus.

This verse can encourage Christians to strive for a deeper comprehension of Jesus' life and teachings as foundational for their faith.

Cross-References

• John 10:30: "I and my Father are one."
• John 14:9: "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?"
• Colossians 1:15: "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature."
• Hebrews 1:3: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "known" is "γινώσκω" (ginosko), which means to perceive, understand, or recognize.

"Father" translates from "πατήρ" (patēr), a term that denotes a paternal figure but is also used by Jesus to refer to God.

The word "ye have seen" comes from "ἑώρακεν" (heōraken), which means to see, experience, or behold. Examining these key words gives insight into the intimate relational knowledge Jesus speaks of.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures and religions, there have been figures who act as intermediaries between the divine and humanity, similar to Jesus' role as revealer of the Father.

Figures in ancient Greek mythology, such as Hermes, functioned as messengers of the gods.

In some Eastern religions, avatars such as Krishna in Hinduism are considered manifestations of the divine on earth.

These comparisons can offer perspective on how different cultures understand divinity made accessible or manifest in the physical world.

Scientific Perspectives

Science does not typically engage with the supernatural claims of religious texts.

However, the discussion of knowing through seeing, as Jesus proposes, can have parallels in psychology and neuroscience.

Studies on perception and cognition explore how seeing leads to understanding or knowing.

In the context of the verse, "seeing" could be understood metaphorically as an experiential or cognitive process rather than a purely visual one.

Commentaries

Several biblical scholars and theologians have commented on John 14:7.

F.F.

Bruce notes that Jesus' statement reinforces the idea that He is the self-revelation of God.

D.A.

Carson comments on the progressive revelation of Jesus to His disciples, interpreting "from henceforth" as a reference to a deeper understanding post-resurrection.

Matthew Henry's commentary accentuates the privilege the disciples had of seeing and knowing Christ and, through Him, the Father.

These expert perspectives offer a range of interpretations on how this verse reveals the unity and revelation of God in Christ.