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 14:12KJV
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John 14:12 (KJV)

What does John 14:12 mean?

John 14:12 says that anyone who believes in Jesus will do the same works he did, and even greater works, because Jesus is going to the Father. This means Jesus promises his followers will continue and expand his work after he leaves.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during his final conversation with them before his arrest. He reassures them that his departure is not the end, but the beginning of something bigger. The "works" refer to the acts Jesus performed—helping, healing, teaching—and "greater works" points to the wider impact his followers would have, especially after Jesus returns to God the Father.

The Greek behind John 14:12

  • "Verily, verily" (ἀμὴν ἀμὴν, amēn amēn): This phrase is a strong way of saying, "Truly, truly," signaling that what follows is especially important and trustworthy.
  • "Believeth" (πιστεύων, pisteuōn): This word means to trust or have faith in someone. Here, it highlights that the promise is for anyone who puts real trust in Jesus, not just the original disciples.
  • "Works" (ἔργα, erga): This word means deeds or actions, especially those that show God's power and character. Jesus connects his followers directly to the kind of things he did.
  • "Greater" (μείζονα, meizona): This word means "greater" or "more." The Greek suggests not just bigger miracles, but a broader, more far-reaching impact.

Why John 14:12 matters

  • John 14:12 clears up the idea that only Jesus could do amazing things; it shows he expected his followers to carry on and even expand his work.
  • This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the basis for doing meaningful, lasting work in the world.
  • John 14:12 connects to the larger passage where Jesus comforts his disciples, promising that his departure will lead to even greater things for those who believe.

Where else these words appear

“also” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

“than” Greek G3187 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
  • John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

“these” Greek G5130 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
  • Acts 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;