Brief Summary:
The gospel of John includes only seven miracles—John calls them “signs”—to demonstrate the deity of Christ and illustrate His ministry. Some of these miracles and stories, such as the raising of Lazarus, are found only in John. His is the most theological of the four Gospels, and he often gives the reason behind events mentioned in the other gospels. The gospel of John shares much about the approaching ministry of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension. There are certain words or phrases that create a recurring theme in the gospel of John: believe, witness, Comforter, life – death, light – darkness, I am, and love.
The gospel of John introduces Jesus Christ, not from His birth, but from “the beginning,” before creation. John calls Jesus “the Word” (Logos) who, as God Himself, was involved in every aspect of creation (John 1:1–3) and who later became flesh (verse 14) in order that He might take away our sins as the spotless Lamb of God (verse 29). The gospel of John includes several spiritual conversations, such as Jesus’ talk with the Samaritan woman that shows
Him as the Messiah (John 4:26) and Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus that explains salvation through His vicarious death on the cross (John 3:14–16). In the gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly angers the Jewish leaders by correcting them (John 2:13–16); healing on the Sabbath, and claiming traits belonging only to God (John 5:18; 8:56–59; 9:6, 16; 10:33).
The last nine chapters of the gospel of John deal with the final week of Jesus’ life. Jesus prepares His disciples for His coming death and for their ministry after His resurrection and ascension (John 14–17). He then willingly dies on the cross in our place (John 10:15–18), paying our sin debt in full (John 19:30) so that whoever trusts in Him will be saved (John 3:14–16). Jesus then rises from the dead, convincing even the most doubting of His disciples that He is God and Master (John 20:24–29).
The Book of John Summary
Summary of the Gospel of John – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
John 11:38–44 describes the seventh and final miraculous ”sign” recorded in the gospel of John. This is by far the most spectacular, as Jesus restores life to a man who has been dead for four days. Lazarus’ death is confirmed to the point that his family hesitates to open his tomb, fearing what a putrefying corpse will smell like. For the benefit of the crowd, Jesus prays loudly, then commands Lazarus to arise. Lazarus does so, still wrapped in his burial shrouds. This display of divine power only increases the resolve of Jesus’ enemies to have Him killed as soon as possible.
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“John 11:44” Bibleref.com
What does John 11:44 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 11:44
44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.”
Context Summary
John 12:27–43 represents the end of Jesus’ public ministry in the gospel of John. After being approached by non-Jewish people who believed in God, Jesus seems agitated as He anticipates His impending death. A voice from heaven affirms His mission, but to most people it simply sounds like noise or thunder. What Jesus means as a reference to crucifixion is misinterpreted by many as a prediction that He’ll be exalted: to be ”lifted up.” The people struggle to understand His message, and Jesus will leave them after warning that their time is short. This confirms Old Testament prophecies and reiterates how far some people will go in order to defy evidence of God.
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“John 12:40” Bibleref.com
What does John 12:40 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 12:40
“He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.”Isaiah 6:10
Context Summary
John 13:31–35 contains one of the most powerful commands given to Christians: that love for others is the defining sign of faith for ”all people,” marking the life of a true believer. Jesus frames this as a new commandment, using His own example as the standard. In giving this charge, Jesus once again predicts His impending death and departure from earth.
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“John 13:34” Bibleref.com
What does John 13:34 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 13:34
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
Context Summary
John 14:1–14 continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples at the last supper. He has recently mentioned a traitor in their midst and predicted Peter’s denials. That leads Jesus to reassure these men—reminding them that He has told them the truth and has all things in hand. In this passage, Christ infamously refers to Himself as ”the way, and the truth, and the life.” That is the sixth of seven such ”I Am” statements included in John’s gospel. This section includes Jesus’ words, personal experience, and evidence of His miracles as reasons to maintain trust.
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“John 14:3” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:3-4
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Context Summary
John 14:1–14 continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples at the last supper. He has recently mentioned a traitor in their midst and predicted Peter’s denials. That leads Jesus to reassure these men—reminding them that He has told them the truth and has all things in hand. In this passage, Christ infamously refers to Himself as ”the way, and the truth, and the life.” That is the sixth of seven such ”I Am” statements included in John’s gospel. This section includes Jesus’ words, personal experience, and evidence of His miracles as reasons to maintain trust.
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“John 14:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Context Summary
John 14:1–14 continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples at the last supper. He has recently mentioned a traitor in their midst and predicted Peter’s denials. That leads Jesus to reassure these men—reminding them that He has told them the truth and has all things in hand. In this passage, Christ infamously refers to Himself as ”the way, and the truth, and the life.” That is the sixth of seven such ”I Am” statements included in John’s gospel. This section includes Jesus’ words, personal experience, and evidence of His miracles as reasons to maintain trust.
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“John 14:11” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:11 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:11
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
Context Summary
John 14:15–31 contains a prediction about the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to this as the Spirit of Truth, and promises that the Spirit will arrive to help the disciples carry on after Jesus is ascended to heaven. Throughout this section, a person’s love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined. As in prior statements, Jesus is focused on comfort and encouragement. He will continue to highlight the need to maintain faith, based on all He has said and done so far. Later, after advance warnings about what Christians will face, Jesus will return to describing the work and purpose of the Holy Spirit under the new covenant.
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“John 14:23” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:23 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:23
23 Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.
Context Summary
John 14:15–31 contains a prediction about the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to this as the Spirit of Truth, and promises that the Spirit will arrive to help the disciples carry on after Jesus is ascended to heaven. Throughout this section, a person’s love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined. As in prior statements, Jesus is focused on comfort and encouragement. He will continue to highlight the need to maintain faith, based on all He has said and done so far. Later, after advance warnings about what Christians will face, Jesus will return to describing the work and purpose of the Holy Spirit under the new covenant.
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“John 14:26” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:26 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:26
26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
Context Summary
John 14:15–31 contains a prediction about the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to this as the Spirit of Truth, and promises that the Spirit will arrive to help the disciples carry on after Jesus is ascended to heaven. Throughout this section, a person’s love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined. As in prior statements, Jesus is focused on comfort and encouragement. He will continue to highlight the need to maintain faith, based on all He has said and done so far. Later, after advance warnings about what Christians will face, Jesus will return to describing the work and purpose of the Holy Spirit under the new covenant.
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“John 14:27” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:27 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
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“John 15:2” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:2
2 Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
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“John 15:5” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:5
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
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“John 15:7” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:7
7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
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“John 15:9” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:9
7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
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“John 15:10” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:10
10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love.
Context Summary
John 15:12–17 builds on Christ’s explanation of the vine and branches. Once again, Jesus commands His followers to demonstrate love toward each other. This is phrased, in no uncertain terms, as an obligation given directly by Christ. Jesus once again ties willingness to obey to the legitimacy of one’s love for Him. This contrasts with the hatred shown by the unbelieving world, which He discusses in the following passage.
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“John 15:13” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:13
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
Context Summary
John 16:5–15 resumes an explanation of the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus began to discuss this topic in John 15:26–27, before returning to the subject of persecution (John 16:1–4). Christ must leave the world, so His followers will learn to depend on the influence of the Holy Spirit. That Spirit will guide, judge, and speak in order to bring glory to God.
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“John 16:13” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:13
13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
Context Summary
John 16:25–33 completes Christ’s combination of encouragement and warning as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest (John 18:1–3). This passage summarizes the general message of that discourse: that hardship and persecution will come, but believers should remain faithful, knowing this is all part of God’s knowledge and His will. Rather than reacting in panic or doubt, followers of Christ should feel a sense of peace. This confidence is inspired by knowledge that nothing they experience catches God by surprise. The expression “take heart” implies courage: knowing Christ’s victory overshadows all those troubles.
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“John 16:27” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:27 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:27
27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God.
Context Summary
John 16:25–33 completes Christ’s combination of encouragement and warning as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest (John 18:1–3). This passage summarizes the general message of that discourse: that hardship and persecution will come, but believers should remain faithful, knowing this is all part of God’s knowledge and His will. Rather than reacting in panic or doubt, followers of Christ should feel a sense of peace. This confidence is inspired by knowledge that nothing they experience catches God by surprise. The expression “take heart” implies courage: knowing Christ’s victory overshadows all those troubles.
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“John 16:33” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:33 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:33
33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Context Summary
John 17:1–5 begins what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. After giving a few last lessons to His disciples (John 16:31–33), Christ now prays. John explained certain earlier incidents by noting that it was not yet Jesus’ “time.” Here, that time has come. Christ begins by praying for Himself, though His words convey complete submission to the will of God. This moment occurs just before Jesus and the disciples enter Gethsemane, where He will pray again prior to being arrested.
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“John 17:1” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:1
Jesus said these things, then lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you;
Context Summary
John 17:1–5 begins what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. After giving a few last lessons to His disciples (John 16:31–33), Christ now prays. John explained certain earlier incidents by noting that it was not yet Jesus’ “time.” Here, that time has come. Christ begins by praying for Himself, though His words convey complete submission to the will of God. This moment occurs just before Jesus and the disciples enter Gethsemane, where He will pray again prior to being arrested.
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“John 17:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:4
4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.
Context Summary
John 17:6–19 continues the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, prior to crossing into the garden of Gethsemane. After asking God the Father to glorify Him, so He may glorify the Father, Jesus now prays for His disciples. Earlier passages included Jesus’ warnings about persecution (John 16:1–4). His plea, here, is for the apostles’ continued faith in the face of that hardship. While this passage has application for all Christians, the immediate subject is Jesus’ immediate circle of closest disciples. After this, Jesus’ prayer will continue with an emphasis on all future believers.
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“John 17:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:6
6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.
Context Summary
John 17:20–26 completes the High Priestly Prayer offered by Jesus just before He goes to Gethsemane, where He will be captured by His enemies. His prayer has included requests on behalf of Himself and His closest disciples. Now, Christ begins to pray for those who will come to faith in Him through the writings and teachings of those apostles. A major theme of this prayer is for love and unity.
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“John 17:23” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:23 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:23
23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me.
Context Summary
John 18:1–11 occurs after Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17). The garden setting evokes both the beginning and end of human history (Genesis 2:8; Revelation 22:1–5). Christ’s obedience contrasts with the disobedience of Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45; Philippians 2:8; Genesis 3:12). Writing after the other Gospels were in circulation, John skips over Jesus’ prayers in the garden (Matthew 26:36–46). Judas arrives to identify Jesus so He can be arrested. Christ provides a last demonstration of power before submitting to His enemies. Peter’s maiming of a servant is mentioned, along with Jesus’ rebuke of Peter, but not the healing of the servant’s ear (Luke 22:50–51), or the disciples retreat (Matthew 26:56). David, also, experienced betrayal by a close ally while crossing Kidron on the way to the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:23–31).
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“John 18:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 18:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 18:5-6
5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Context Summary
John 18:28–40 describes Jerusalem’s religious leaders taking Jesus to the local Roman governor. While Jewish authorities are allowed punish blasphemers, Roman law will not let them administer the death penalty. Jesus is too well-liked to be assassinated, so His enemies will attempt to paint Him as a rebel against Rome. In a private interview with Pilate, Jesus claims His role as King, but also notes that His purpose is not yet to rule an earthly kingdom. Pilate attempts to appease the crowd, trying to spare a clearly innocent man, but a mob has formed to demand Jesus’ death. John continues his habit of skipping details offered in other Gospels. He does not repeat the account of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:55–65), nor the part of Pilate’s investigation where Jesus is sent briefly to Herod (Luke 23:6–12).
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“John 18:36” Bibleref.com
What does John 18:36 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 18:36
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.”
Context Summary
John 19:38–42 describes Jesus’ hasty burial. A member of the Jewish leadership and secret follower of Jesus, Joseph, gets permission to bury Jesus. He works with Nicodemus, who has also been secretive about his faith. They quickly wrap Jesus in grave cloths and place Him in a borrowed tomb. Parallel passages are Matthew 27:57–61, Mark 15:42–47, and Luke 23:50–56.
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“John 19:41” Bibleref.com
What does John 19:41 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 19:41
41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid.
Context Summary
John 20:11–18 describes a remarkable scene. In an era where women were ignored and often mistrusted, a woman becomes the first person to share her experiences with a risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene encounters two angels outside Jesus’ empty tomb, followed by Jesus Himself. She obeys His commands to speak with the disciples. This event is another example of John including certain details, without repeating the exact same points as the other, older gospel writings (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12).
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“John 20:15” Bibleref.com
What does John 20:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 20:15
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
Context Summary
John 20:11–18 describes a remarkable scene. In an era where women were ignored and often mistrusted, a woman becomes the first person to share her experiences with a risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene encounters two angels outside Jesus’ empty tomb, followed by Jesus Himself. She obeys His commands to speak with the disciples. This event is another example of John including certain details, without repeating the exact same points as the other, older gospel writings (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12).
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“John 20:17” Bibleref.com
What does John 20:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 20:17
17 Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Context Summary
John 21:15–19 is a poignant moment between Peter and the resurrected Jesus. Early in his ministry, Jesus inspired a faithful response from Peter, by miraculously providing fish (Luke 5:5–8). He then called Peter to become a disciple (Luke 5:10–11). Not many days before this breakfast on the beach, Peter had stood near a fire and denied even knowing Christ three times (John 18:25–27). Now, in front of another fire, Jesus asks Peter to affirm his faithful love three times. Peter grasps the symbolism. Jesus affirms Peter’s calling to serve Him and predicts the matter of Peter’s death.
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“John 21:15” Bibleref.com
What does John 21:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 21:15
15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
