John 14:2 kjv
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2 nkjv
In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2 niv
My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
John 14:2 esv
In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
John 14:2 nlt
There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
John 14 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Psa 23:6 | "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever." | Dwelling in Lord's house permanently |
| Psa 27:4 | "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life…" | Desire to dwell in God's house |
| Isa 66:1 | "Thus says the LORD: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me…'" | Heaven as God's true dwelling place |
| Act 7:49 | "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what kind of house will you build for me…?" | God's omnipresence; heaven is His throne |
| Heb 9:24 | "For Christ has entered, not into temples made with hands… but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us." | Christ entered heaven as High Priest |
| Jn 10:27-28 | "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish…" | Jesus' promise of eternal life is secure |
| Num 23:19 | "God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind." | God's truthfulness and unchanging nature |
| Heb 6:18 | "so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement…" | God cannot lie; His promises are sure |
| Jn 13:3 | "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God…" | Jesus' awareness of His divine origin/destiny |
| Jn 16:7 | "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you…" | Jesus' departure for the Spirit's coming |
| Heb 6:20 | "where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." | Jesus is our forerunner into glory |
| Heb 10:19-20 | "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us…" | Access to God through Christ's sacrifice |
| Rev 3:21 | "The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne…" | Co-reigning with Christ; prepared seat |
| 1 Pet 1:3-4 | "…according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope… into an inheritance that is imperishable… kept in heaven for you." | Heavenly inheritance is reserved |
| Phil 3:20-21 | "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…" | Believer's true citizenship is heavenly |
| 2 Cor 5:1 | "For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." | Assurance of an eternal, heavenly home |
| Lk 24:50-51 | "Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven." | Jesus' ascension to heaven |
| Act 1:9-11 | "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight." | Witnesses to Jesus' ascension |
| Jn 14:3 | "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." | Promise of Christ's return for believers |
| Heb 11:10 | "For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." | Hope for a permanent city designed by God |
| Rev 21:2 | "And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." | New Jerusalem, a prepared heavenly dwelling |
| Lk 20:38 | "Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him." | God sustains His people beyond death |
| Rom 8:34 | "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." | Christ's intercession continues His preparation |
John 14 verses
John 14 2 Meaning
John 14:2 provides profound comfort and assurance from Jesus to His disciples concerning their eternal dwelling place. Jesus affirms that in His Father's vast abode, there is ample space and permanent residence for every believer. He further states that His departure—His impending crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—is not an abandonment, but a deliberate act to prepare a specific, personal place for them, emphasizing the truthfulness and reliability of His words.
John 14 2 Context
John 14:2 is part of Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples, delivered on the eve of His crucifixion, specifically after the Last Supper. The disciples were troubled and anxious (Jn 14:1) due to Jesus' previous announcement of His impending departure (Jn 13:33). They were also reeling from Peter's predicted denial and the news that one of them would betray Him. This verse serves as a direct antidote to their dismay, offering words of comfort, hope, and reassurance amidst the distressing revelations. Jesus begins this chapter with "Let not your hearts be troubled," and immediately proceeds to give them a reason for that peace: a secure future dwelling with God, prepared by Him. The historical context reflects a time when Jesus' Jewish disciples would have been expecting an earthly kingdom from the Messiah, making His emphasis on a "Father's house" in heaven a significant shift in their understanding.
John 14 2 Word analysis
- In My Father's house:
- In My Father's: Signifies the divine origin and intimate relationship Jesus has with God the Father. It speaks of divine authority, provision, and ultimate belonging.
- house: (Greek: oikia - οἰκία) More than a mere structure, it implies a household, a family dwelling, a place of secure residence. It points to Heaven, God's eternal abode, the ultimate place of peace and safety for His children. It suggests an extensive, spiritual dwelling that encompasses all creation under God's domain.
- are many mansions:
- many: (Greek: polus - πολὺς) Denotes abundance, signifying ample room for all who believe, ensuring no one who belongs to Him will be left out. It emphasizes the generosity and vastness of God's provision.
- mansions: (Greek: monai - μοναί) This critical word means dwelling places, abiding places, or permanent residences. It's not a temporary lodging or "rooms" in the modern sense of a transient hotel, but rather lasting abodes. It implies permanence and personal space, contrasting with any fear of being adrift or without a home. The root meno means "to abide," underscoring stability and eternal dwelling.
- if it were not so, I would have told you:
- if it were not so: A hypothetical clause emphasizing the truth of the preceding statement.
- I would have told you: Jesus' statement underscores His absolute truthfulness, transparency, and faithfulness. He would not mislead or deceive them. This is an oath-like affirmation, bolstering their trust in His promise and His integrity. It removes any doubt about His word, highlighting His character as pure truth.
- I go to prepare a place for you:
- I go: (Greek: poreuomai - πορεύομαι) Refers to Jesus' impending journey involving His death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father. This "going" is not abandonment, but a purposeful, necessary act central to His redemptive work for humanity.
- to prepare: (Greek: hetoimazō - ἑτοιμάζω) Implies an active, purposeful work. This preparation encompasses His atonement on the cross, His victorious resurrection, His ascension as the exalted Lord, and His ongoing intercession as High Priest at the Father's right hand. He is making ready an eternal dwelling for them.
- a place: (Greek: topos - τόπος) A specific, individualized location. This is not a general, shared space but a personal abode uniquely prepared for each believer. It implies intimacy and individual provision.
- for you: Emphasizes the beneficiaries of His action. His departure and preparation are for the sake of His disciples, and by extension, all who will believe through their word. It highlights His personal love and commitment to His followers.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "In My Father's house are many mansions": This phrase paints a picture of heaven as a secure, familial, and expansive dwelling, confirming God's abundant provision and gracious welcome for all His children, far beyond human capacity or imagination. It counters any anxieties about limited space or temporary stay.
- "if it were not so, I would have told you": This serves as Jesus' direct affirmation of truth and trustworthiness. It guarantees the absolute reliability of His promise and encourages unwavering faith, establishing His words as undeniable facts.
- "I go to prepare a place for you": This reveals the ultimate purpose of Jesus' journey back to the Father: to secure an eternal, personalized residence for believers. His sacrifice and glorification are not for Himself alone, but entirely for the eternal benefit and future communion of His followers with God.
John 14 2 Bonus section
The concept of "preparing a place" (ἑτοιμάζω τόπος) by Jesus continues through His heavenly intercession, as mentioned in passages like Romans 8:34. His present role at the right hand of the Father involves advocating for believers, which is a continuous act of securing and making ready their eternal status and position with God. The word "monai" (mansions) used here in John 14:2 is also used in John 14:23, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home (monēn) with him." This linguistic link suggests a profound dual reality: God makes His "home" or "abode" with believers here on earth (through the Holy Spirit and in fellowship), which is a foretaste and a guarantee of the eternal dwelling with Him in heaven. Thus, the heavenly "mansions" are both a future reality and are intimately connected to the spiritual reality of God's dwelling within believers now.
John 14 2 Commentary
John 14:2 is a profound testament to God's ultimate plan of salvation and His boundless love. Jesus addresses the disciples' distress by redirecting their focus from their present troubles to their glorious eternal future. The "Father's house" represents Heaven, the vast and permanent dwelling of God, indicating a relational rather than merely a physical abode. The "many mansions" underscore the amplitude of divine grace, assuring every believer a distinct, enduring place, carefully appointed and made ready. Jesus’ powerful affirmation, "if it were not so, I would have told you," establishes the absolute veracity of His word, laying the foundation for an unshakeable faith in His promises. His departure, rather than an abandonment, is presented as a vital part of His redemptive mission—a necessary act to secure this eternal dwelling. Through His atoning work, resurrection, and ascension, He acts as the ultimate host, preparing a personal, secure place, thereby fulfilling God's eternal purpose for His elect to dwell eternally with Him. This verse offers peace amidst tribulation, rooting it in the sure hope of a divinely prepared, permanent, and personal heavenly home.