John 21 25

John 21:25 kjv

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

John 21:25 nkjv

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

John 21:25 niv

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

John 21:25 esv

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

John 21:25 nlt

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.

John 21 verses

John 21 25 Meaning

John 21:25 concludes the Gospel of John by stating that Jesus performed far too many acts for them all to be fully documented. The author, John, asserts that if every single thing Jesus did were to be written down, he supposes the entire world would lack the capacity to contain the immense number of books required. This hyperbolic statement emphasizes the boundless nature of Jesus Christ's ministry, His profound impact, and the infinite scope of His divine activity, which transcends any human record.

John 21 25 Context

John 21:25 serves as a profound concluding statement for the Gospel of John, following an epilogue that solidifies the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to His disciples, particularly Peter. The entire chapter 21 addresses the restoration of Peter, a prophetic glimpse into Peter's future martyrdom, and clarification regarding the fate of "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (traditionally John). After the explicit assertion in verse 24 that "We know that his testimony is true," verse 25 expands upon this, affirming the veracity of what has been written while simultaneously declaring the overwhelming scale of Jesus' actions that remained unwritten. Historically, ancient biographies were not exhaustive, nor were they intended to be; they were selective narratives aimed at conveying the character and purpose of their subject. John's concluding statement not only aligns with this cultural norm but elevates it, portraying Jesus' life and ministry as something far beyond any conceivable human chronicle. It implicitly counteracts any notion that the limited scope of the Gospels diminishes Jesus' actual impact or power, instead magnifying His boundless, divine reality.

John 21 25 Word analysis

• And there are also many other things: (καὶ ἔστιν ἄλλα πολλὰ, kai estin alla polla).
  • καὶ (kai, "and"): Connects this statement as an amplification or further thought stemming from the preceding attestation of John's witness (v.24).
  • ἄλλα πολλὰ (alla polla, "many other things"): Directly contrasts with the recorded events in the Gospel. It underscores the vast, unwritten reservoir of Jesus' deeds and teachings.
• which Jesus did: (ἃ ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ha epoiēsen ho Iēsous).
  • ἃ (ha, "which"): Refers back to "many other things."
  • ἐποίησεν (epoiesen, "did" or "performed"): Emphasizes action, accomplishments, miracles, and the active ministry of Christ.
  • ὁ Ἰησοῦς (ho Iēsous, "the Jesus"): Focuses directly on the person and work of Christ.
• the which, if they should be written every one: (ἃ ἐὰν γράφηται καθ' ἕν, ha ean graphētai kath' hen).
  • ἐὰν γράφηται (ean graphētai, "if they should be written"): Presents a conditional, hypothetical scenario, emphasizing the impossibility. It is a present subjunctive, indicating a continuous or repeated action.
  • καθ' ἕν (kath' hen, "every one" or "one by one"): Highlights the meticulous, itemized, and therefore infinitely arduous nature of such a hypothetical task.
• I suppose: (οἶμαι, oimai).
  • Expresses a strong, personal conviction from the author, not mere guesswork. It carries the weight of a seasoned observer's informed judgment and astonishment.
• that even the world itself: (οὐδ' αὐτὸν τὸν κόσμον, oud' auton ton kosmon).
  • οὐδ' (oud', "not even"): Intensifies the negative, highlighting the absolute impossibility.
  • αὐτὸν τὸν κόσμον (auton ton kosmon, "the world itself"): This is a significant hyperbole. Κόσμος (kosmos) typically refers to the physical world, its inhabitants, or the created order. Here, it likely signifies the physical space or the intellectual capacity of humanity/earth as a container for all the written records.
• could not contain: (χωρῆσαι, chōrēsai).
  • Means "to have space for," "to hold," "to be able to contain or receive." It conveys the idea of capacity or suitability. The world, in this metaphorical sense, lacks the room or the capacity to house such an overwhelming volume.
• the books that should be written: (τὰ γραφόμενα βιβλία, ta graphomena biblia).
  • γραφόμενα (graphomena, "being written"): A present participle, indicating a vast, ongoing process of documentation.
  • βιβλία (biblia, "books" or "scrolls"): The physical medium for such extensive writing.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And there are also many other things which Jesus did": This phrase establishes the central premise of the verse: Jesus's ministry and works extended far beyond what any single Gospel or collection of Gospels could possibly cover, asserting a rich and immeasurable abundance.
• "the which, if they should be written every one": This conditional clause posits a hypothetical scenario—a complete, itemized documentation. It emphasizes the sheer impracticality and immense scale of attempting to record every single act. The focus is on the individual and comprehensive nature of the hypothetical record, highlighting the boundlessness.
• "I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.": This constitutes the hyperbole. John employs extreme overstatement to underscore the profound depth and breadth of Christ's impact and actions. "The world itself" functions as a symbol for ultimate capacity, suggesting not just physical space but also intellectual, conceptual, or cultural ability to fully grasp and house the totality of Christ's works. The concluding "Amen" acts as a solemn affirmation, solidifying the truth and earnestness of this concluding declaration.

John 21 25 Bonus section

This concluding statement reflects John's profound understanding of Jesus, recognizing Him not merely as a historical figure but as the Son of God whose life is of cosmic significance. The brevity and selectivity of the Gospels are thus not a flaw, but an implicit testament to Christ's transcendence. The inspired Scripture provides sufficient revelation for faith and eternal life, even while acknowledging the vast ocean of unrecorded acts and teachings of Jesus. The verse points to the living, dynamic, and ever-present Christ whose impact cannot be confined to any written volume, however inspired. This final, sweeping statement reinforces the Gospel's entire message: Jesus is far greater than human words can articulate, and the record, though partial, is divinely appointed and completely adequate for its redemptive purpose.

John 21 25 Commentary

John 21:25 serves as a majestic and humbling close to John's Gospel, providing a meta-commentary on the entire narrative. Far from apologizing for an incomplete account, John celebrates the immeasurable nature of Jesus' life and ministry. The hyperbole, "even the world itself could not contain the books," is not a literal claim but a rhetorical device to convey deep reverence and awe. It teaches us that the Incarnate Christ's divine power, wisdom, and works are truly boundless and cannot be fully encapsulated by human language or documentation. This verse underscores the infinite person of Jesus, implying that while the written Gospel offers what is essential for belief and salvation (Jn 20:30-31), it is merely a window into an eternal and inexhaustible reality. It invites readers not to seek more information in unwritten texts, but to worship the inexhaustible Person revealed within the written record.