Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

JOHN 14:19KJV
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John 14:19 (KJV)

What does John 14:19 mean?

John 14:19 records Jesus telling his disciples that soon the world will not see him anymore, but they will still see him, and because he lives, they too will live. Jesus is promising his followers a special connection to him that continues even when he is no longer physically present.

Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during his final meal with them, preparing them for his coming death and resurrection. He contrasts "the world"—those outside his circle—who will no longer see him, with his disciples, who will continue to experience his presence. The statement "because I live, ye shall live also" points to a shared life that goes beyond physical death, hinting at resurrection and ongoing spiritual life.

The Greek behind John 14:19

  • κόσμος (kosmos, G2889) — "world": This word often means the broader human society, especially those not following Jesus. Here, it highlights the difference between the general public and Jesus' disciples.
  • θεωρέω (theōreō, G2334) — "seeth"/"see": This verb means more than just looking; it often means to observe or perceive deeply. Jesus is saying his disciples will truly perceive him in a way others will not.
  • ζάω (zaō, G2198) — "live": This word means to be alive, but in this context, it points to a deeper, ongoing life that Jesus shares with his followers, not just physical existence.

Why John 14:19 matters

  • John 14:19 clarifies that Jesus' relationship with his followers continues even after his death, setting up the hope of resurrection and ongoing spiritual life.
  • The verse draws a line between "the world" and the disciples, showing that not everyone will experience Jesus in the same way after his departure.
  • This verse connects to the larger themes in John 14, where Jesus comforts his disciples and promises them the presence of the Holy Spirit, assuring them they are not abandoned.

Where else these words appear

“while” Greek G3397 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
  • John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

“more” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

“seeth” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

“Yet” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;