John 14:28
New International Version
“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

New Living Translation
Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am.

English Standard Version
You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Berean Standard Bible
You heard Me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.

Berean Literal Bible
You heard that I said to you, 'I am going away and I am coming to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.

King James Bible
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

New King James Version
You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

New American Standard Bible
You heard that I said to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

NASB 1995
“You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

NASB 1977
“You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.

Legacy Standard Bible
You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Amplified Bible
You heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you [really] loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going [back] to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Christian Standard Bible
You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You have heard Me tell you, I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.

American Standard Version
Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I.

Contemporary English Version
You have already heard me say I am going and I will also come back to you. If you really love me, you should be glad I am going back to the Father, because he is greater than I am.

English Revised Version
Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You heard me tell you, 'I'm going away, but I'm coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I'm going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.

Good News Translation
You heard me say to you, 'I am leaving, but I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father; for he is greater than I.

International Standard Version
You have heard me tell you, 'I'm going away, but I'm coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I'm going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.

Majority Standard Bible
You heard Me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because My Father is greater than I.

NET Bible
You heard me say to you, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.

New Heart English Bible
You heard how I told you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.

Webster's Bible Translation
Ye have heard that I said to you, I go away, and come again to you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go to the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

Weymouth New Testament
"You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and yet I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I am.

World English Bible
You heard how I told you, ‘I am going away, and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
You heard that I said to you, I go away, and I come to you. If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I said, I go on to the Father, because My Father is greater than I.

Berean Literal Bible
You heard that I said to you, 'I am going away and I am coming to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.

Young's Literal Translation
ye heard that I said to you -- I go away, and I come unto you; if ye did love me, ye would have rejoiced that I said -- I go on to the Father, because my Father is greater than I.

Smith's Literal Translation
Ye have heard that I said to you, I retire, and I am coming to you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go to the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
You have heard that I said to you: I go away, and I come unto you. If you loved me, you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the Father is greater than I.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You have heard that I said to you: I am going away, and I am returning to you. If you loved me, certainly you would be gladdened, because I am going to the Father. For the Father is greater than I.

New American Bible
You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.

New Revised Standard Version
You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You heard that I told you, I am going away, and I will come to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice because I am going to my Father; for my Father is greater than I.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“You have heard that I said to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you'; if you had loved me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to join my Father, for my Father is greater than I.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
You have heard that I said to you, I am going away, and am coming again to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I go to the Father; for my Father is greater than I.

Godbey New Testament
You heard that I said to you, I go away, and I come to you. If you love me with divine love, you would rejoice, because I go to my Father: because the Father is greater than I.

Haweis New Testament
Ye have heard that I told you, I am going away, though I am coming again to you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I am going to the Father: because my Father is greater than I.

Mace New Testament
ye have heard me say, "I am going away, and shall come again unto you." if ye loved me, ye would rejoice at my going to the father: for the father is greater than I.

Weymouth New Testament
"You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and yet I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I am.

Worrell New Testament
Ye heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I come to you.' If ye loved Me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; because the Father is greater than I.

Worsley New Testament
Ye have heard, how I said unto you, "I am going away, and I shall come again to you." If ye loved me, ye would rejoice that I said, I am going to the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Peace I Leave with You
27Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. 28You heard Me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.…

Cross References
Philippians 2:6-7
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

John 10:30
I and the Father are one.”

John 16:28
I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.”

John 17:5
And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.

John 5:18
Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Colossians 1:15-17
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

1 Corinthians 15:28
And when all things have been subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all.

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

John 3:13
No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man.

John 8:42
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.

John 7:33
So Jesus said, “I am with you only a little while longer, and then I am going to the One who sent Me.

John 13:3
Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.

Acts 2:33
Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.


Treasury of Scripture

You have heard how I said to you, I go away, and come again to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go to the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

heard.

John 14:3,18
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also…

John 16:16-22
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father…

If.

John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Psalm 47:5-7
God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet…

Psalm 68:18,9
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them

I go.

John 14:12
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.

John 16:16
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

John 20:17
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Father.

John 5:18
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John 10:30,38
I and my Father are one…

John 13:16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

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Glad Greater Heard Loved Mind Rejoice Rejoiced
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.














You heard Me say
This phrase emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus' words. In the Greek, "ἀκούω" (akouo) means to hear or listen, implying not just the act of hearing but understanding and internalizing the message. Jesus is reminding His disciples of His previous teachings, urging them to recall His promises and prophecies. This highlights the necessity of faith and trust in His words, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

I am going away
The Greek word "ὑπάγω" (hypago) is used here, meaning to depart or go away. Jesus is speaking of His impending crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Historically, this was a time of great confusion and fear for the disciples, as they struggled to comprehend the necessity of His departure. Yet, this departure is part of the divine plan for redemption, underscoring the sacrificial love of Christ.

and I am coming back to you
The promise of return is encapsulated in the Greek "ἔρχομαι" (erchomai), meaning to come or arrive. This refers to both His post-resurrection appearances and His eventual second coming. It is a reassurance to the disciples that His departure is not permanent. This promise is a cornerstone of Christian hope, affirming that Jesus will fulfill His promise to return and establish His eternal kingdom.

If you loved Me
The conditional "εἰ" (ei) introduces a hypothetical situation, challenging the disciples to examine their love for Jesus. The Greek word for love here is "ἀγαπάω" (agapao), denoting a selfless, sacrificial love. True love for Christ is demonstrated through understanding and accepting His mission, even when it involves His physical absence.

you would rejoice
The Greek "χαίρω" (chairo) means to rejoice or be glad. Jesus is teaching that true love for Him should lead to joy, even in the face of His departure. This joy stems from understanding the greater purpose of His going to the Father, which is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

that I am going to the Father
The phrase "πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα" (pros ton Patera) indicates movement towards the Father, signifying Jesus' return to His pre-incarnate glory and the completion of His earthly mission. This is a cause for rejoicing because it signifies the successful accomplishment of salvation and the opening of a new relationship between God and humanity.

because the Father is greater than I
The Greek "μείζων" (meizon) means greater, indicating a hierarchical relationship within the Trinity during Jesus' earthly ministry. This does not imply inferiority in essence or nature but rather a functional subordination. Historically, this has been a point of theological discussion, affirming the distinct roles within the Godhead while maintaining the unity and equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This statement invites believers to marvel at the mystery of the Trinity and the humility of Christ in His incarnation.

(28) Ye have heard how I said unto you.--Better, Ye heard how I said unto you. (See John 14:19-20.)

If ye loved me, ye would rejoice.--True love seeks another's good and not its own. Their sorrow at His departure was at its root selfish, as all sorrow for those who depart to be with God is, however little we think so. His departure would be the return to the glory of the Father's throne, and was matter for joy and not for sorrow. For them also it was expedient. (Comp. Notes on John 16:6-7.)

For my Father is greater than I.--These words have naturally formed the subject of controversy in every period of the Church's history, between those who deny and those who accept the truth that the Son is "very God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before all worlds." And, as in all controversies, statements have been made on either side which cannot be supported by the words themselves. On the part of those who assert the divine nature, it has been contended that the Father is greater than the Son only as regards the human nature of the Son; but this is not here thought of. In this passage, as in others of the New Testament, it is plainly asserted that in the divine nature there is a subordination of the Son to the Father. (See, e.g., John 14:16; John 17:5; 1Corinthians 3:23; 1Corinthians 11:3; 1Corinthians 15:27-28; Philippians 2:9; Philippians 2:11; and especially Note on John 5:19 et seq.) On the part of those who deny the divinity of our Lord, it has been contended that this text asserts the inferiority of His nature to that of the Father, whereas the words could only have been uttered by one who meant in them to assert His own divine essence. If we try to imagine a man saying, "God is greater than I," we feel at once that He who really said them claimed for Himself that He was truly God. . . .

Verse 28. - Now, however, he leads them a step further. The disciples are to dismiss their trouble and fear, because

(1) of the many mansions that he is going to prepare;

(2) because he was the "Way" to the Father;

(3) because they have had a theophany in him; . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
You heard
ἠκούσατε (ēkousate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

Me
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

say,
εἶπον (eipon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

‘I am going away,
Ὑπάγω (Hypagō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5217: To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I am coming [back]
ἔρχομαι (erchomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you.’
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

If
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

you loved
ἠγαπᾶτέ (ēgapate)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

Me,
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

you would rejoice
ἐχάρητε (echarēte)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I am going
πορεύομαι (poreuomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Father,
Πατέρα (Patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Father
Πατὴρ (Patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

greater than
μείζων (meizōn)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

I.
μού (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: John 14:28 You heard how I told you 'I (Jhn Jo Jn)
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