John 13:3

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

Jesus {G2424} knowing {G1492} that {G3754} the Father {G3962} had given {G1325} all things {G3956} into {G1519} his {G846} hands {G5495}, and {G2532} that {G3754} he was come {G1831} from {G575} God {G2316}, and {G2532} went {G5217} to {G4314} God {G2316};

Yeshua was aware that the Father had put everything in his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.

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

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God,

John 13:3 provides profound insight into Jesus' state of mind and identity just before He performs the humbling act of washing His disciples' feet. This verse underscores the divine authority and inherent knowledge that underpinned His actions, making His subsequent humility all the more remarkable.

Context

This verse is set during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, shortly before His crucifixion. It immediately precedes Jesus rising from supper to wash the disciples' feet, an act typically performed by the lowest servant. The Gospel of John often highlights Jesus' divine nature and purpose, and this verse sets the stage by emphasizing His full awareness of His origin, destiny, and the immense power given to Him by the Father.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The phrase "the Father had given all things into his hands" speaks to Jesus' absolute authority and control over all creation and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This was not a power seized, but one divinely bestowed.
  • Divine Origin and Destiny: "He was come from God, and went to God" succinctly encapsulates Jesus' pre-existence, His incarnation, and His eventual return to the Father. It affirms His divine nature and eternal relationship with God. This echoes themes found throughout John's Gospel, such as John 1:1 and John 16:28.
  • Intentional Humility: The profound knowledge of His supreme status and authority did not lead to pride, but paradoxically, enabled the deepest act of service. Jesus' humility was not born of weakness or insecurity, but from a secure identity and divine purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "knowing" here is eidos (εἰδὼς), which conveys a deep, intuitive, and settled understanding rather than mere intellectual awareness. Jesus possessed a complete and unshakeable grasp of His identity, mission, and divine mandate. The idiom "given all things into his hands" is a powerful expression in ancient cultures, signifying complete delegation of authority and control.

Significance and Application

John 13:3 is crucial because it reveals that Jesus' act of humble service was not performed out of weakness or obligation, but from a position of ultimate power and divine understanding. This is a powerful model for believers:

  • Humility in Strength: True humility, as exemplified by Christ, comes not from a lack of confidence or ability, but from a secure identity and a willingness to use one's position or gifts for the service of others.
  • Purposeful Service: Jesus served with full knowledge of who He was and where He was going. Our service should likewise be rooted in our understanding of God's call and our identity in Christ.
  • God's Sovereignty: The verse reminds us that everything is ultimately in God's hands and that Jesus operates within the Father's perfect plan, providing comfort and assurance for believers.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 3:35

    The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

  • Matthew 11:27

    All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

  • Hebrews 1:2

    Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

  • John 17:2

    As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

  • Matthew 28:18

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • 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 16:27

    For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

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