And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

JOHN 14:13KJV
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John 14:13 (KJV)

What does John 14:13 mean?

John 14:13 records Jesus telling his disciples that whatever they ask in his name, he will do, so that the Father will be glorified through the Son. This verse promises that prayers made in Jesus’ name will be answered by him, with the purpose of honoring God the Father.

Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during the Last Supper, preparing them for his coming departure. He reassures them that even though he will soon leave, they can still come to God through him. The focus is not just on receiving what is asked for, but on God’s glory being revealed through Jesus’ actions in response to their prayers.

The Greek behind John 14:13

  • “Ask” (αἰτέω, aiteō) means to request or petition. In this context, it highlights a humble, dependent asking rather than demanding.
  • “In my name” (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου, en tō onomati mou) means more than just saying “Jesus” at the end of a prayer; it points to asking in line with Jesus’ character, authority, and will.
  • “Glorified” (δοξάζω, doxazō) means to honor or reveal greatness. The verse’s purpose is not just answered prayer, but that God the Father is honored through what the Son does.

Why John 14:13 matters

  • John 14:13 clarifies that praying “in Jesus’ name” is not a magic formula, but about aligning requests with who Jesus is and what he desires.
  • The verse shows that Jesus himself is the one who answers prayer, pointing to his unique relationship with God the Father and his ongoing care for his followers.
  • This promise is set in the context of Jesus preparing his disciples for his absence, assuring them that their connection to God remains open and powerful through him.

Where else these words appear

“glorified” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
  • Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

“whatsoever” Greek G3748 · used in 148 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • John 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
  • Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,