John 14:12

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, He that believeth {G4100} on {G1519} me {G1691}, the works {G2041} that {G3739} I {G1473} do {G4160} shall he do {G4160} also {G2548}; and {G2532} greater works than {G3187} these {G5130} shall he do {G4160}; because {G3754} I {G1473} go {G4198} unto {G4314} my {G3450} Father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father.

Berean Standard Bible

Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

American Standard Version

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 the Father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus delivers a profound and pivotal promise to His disciples, asserting that those who believe in Him will not only perform the same types of works He did but will accomplish "greater works" than these, all made possible by His impending return to the Father. This declaration, part of His Farewell Discourse, underscores the continuity of God's redemptive mission through Spirit-empowered believers and anticipates the expansive global reach of the Gospel after His ascension.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is situated within Jesus' Farewell Discourse, spanning [John 13-17](/john/13 "John 13 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") in the Upper Room, just hours before His crucifixion. The disciples are deeply troubled by Jesus' announcement of His departure ([John 13:33](/john/13-33 "John 13:33 - Jesus Predicts His Departure")), and He dedicates this discourse to comforting, instructing, and preparing them for life after His physical presence. Immediately preceding [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Jesus Promises Greater Works"), Jesus has assured them of His unity with the Father, stating that "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")), and that the works He performs are evidence of the Father dwelling in Him ([John 14:10-11](/john/14-10-11 "John 14:10-11 - The Father in Jesus")). Thus, the promise of "greater works" in verse 12 builds directly upon the understanding that Jesus' works are divine in origin and purpose, and that His followers will continue this divine activity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Passover meal, a deeply significant event for Jewish people, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Jesus, as the ultimate Passover Lamb, is preparing His disciples for a new covenant reality. The disciples, like many Jews of their time, likely held expectations of a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom and lead a political revolution. Jesus' repeated statements about His departure and death would have been profoundly disorienting and disheartening. In this context, the promise of "works" would have resonated with their understanding of prophetic signs and divine power, but the idea of *them* doing "greater works" would have been startling. Jesus' reference to "going to my Father" would have evoked the concept of divine authority and heavenly enthronement, signifying not an end, but a transition to a new phase of redemptive activity.
* **Key Themes:** [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Jesus Promises Greater Works") contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. One key theme is the **empowerment of believers through faith and the Holy Spirit**. While the Spirit is not explicitly named in this verse, Jesus immediately elaborates on the sending of the "Comforter" or "Advocate" in [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit") and [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter"). This Spirit is the divine agent enabling the promised "works." Another central theme is the **continuity and expansion of Christ's mission**. Jesus' earthly ministry was geographically and temporally limited, but through His followers, empowered by His Spirit, His redemptive work would extend globally, reaching "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). This verse also highlights the **supremacy of Christ's ascension** as the necessary condition for this new era of ministry, emphasizing that His departure is not an abandonment but a strategic move for the greater good of His Kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** From Hebrew origin, this word means "firm" or "trustworthy," and adverbially, "surely" or "so be it." Jesus' double use of "Amen, Amen" (translated "Verily, verily") is a characteristic Johannine emphatic declaration, signaling that what follows is a solemn, weighty, and absolutely certain truth that demands the listener's utmost attention and belief. It underscores the divine authority and certainty of the promise.
* **Believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This verb signifies "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)," implying credit or entrusting. In this context, it refers to a deep, abiding trust in Jesus Christ, not merely intellectual assent but a commitment of one's spiritual well-being to Him. This active, living faith is presented as the foundational condition for receiving the empowerment to perform the promised works.
* **Works (Greek, _érgon'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to work," this term broadly refers to toil, effort, deeds, or accomplishments. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it encompasses His miracles (healing, casting out demons, raising the dead), His authoritative teachings, and His overall demonstration of God's character and power. When applied to believers, it extends to both supernatural manifestations and the spiritual work of evangelism, discipleship, and the transformation of lives through the Gospel.
* **Greater (Greek, _meízōn'_):** This irregular comparative adjective of "megas" (great) means "larger," "more extensive," or "more significant." In the context of "greater works," it primarily refers to the *scope* and *impact* of the ministry, rather than implying a superior *quality* or *inherent power* over Jesus' own divine acts (e.g., creation or resurrection by His own power). It points to the vast numerical and geographical expansion of the Kingdom through the Church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you,"**: This solemn double affirmation by Jesus serves as a divine seal of truth, emphasizing the absolute certainty and profound importance of the declaration that follows. It demands the disciples' full attention and belief.
* **"He that believeth on me,"**: This clause establishes the foundational condition for participating in the promised works. It is not a universal promise but is contingent upon genuine faith in Jesus Christ—a faith that involves trust, commitment, and spiritual reliance upon Him as Lord and Savior.
* **"the works that I do shall he do also;"**: This part of the promise indicates a continuity of ministry. Believers, through their faith in Christ, will be enabled to perform the same *types* of works that Jesus performed during His earthly ministry—works of healing, deliverance, teaching, and demonstrating God's love and power. This highlights that the mission of Christ continues through His followers.
* **"and greater [works] than these shall he do;"**: This is the most striking and debated part of the verse. The "greater works" do not imply that believers will perform miracles of a higher *quality* or *inherent divine power* than Jesus' own unique acts (e.g., His personal resurrection or creation). Instead, "greater" refers to the vastly expanded *scope*, *reach*, and *numerical impact* of the Gospel message after Jesus' ascension. During His earthly ministry, Jesus' physical presence limited His reach. However, after His departure and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, His disciples would spread the Gospel globally, leading to the conversion of multitudes and the establishment of the Church across nations, a spiritual harvest far surpassing the numerical scale of Jesus' direct ministry.
* **"because I go unto my Father."**: This crucial phrase provides the theological explanation and enablement for the "greater works." Jesus' ascension to the Father is not an abandonment but a necessary step for the sending of the Holy Spirit ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Spirit Will Come")). It is the Spirit who empowers believers, equips them with spiritual gifts, and enables them to fulfill the Great Commission, thereby extending Christ's redemptive work to the ends of the earth. His going to the Father signifies His glorification, enthronement, and the commencement of His intercessory ministry, all of which facilitate the Spirit's work in and through believers.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several **Literary Devices** to convey the weight and significance of this promise. The **Repetition** of "Verily, verily" (Greek: *Amēn, amēn*) serves as an emphatic introduction, demanding absolute attention and signifying the profound truthfulness of the statement. This device is characteristic of John's Gospel, underscoring the divine authority behind Jesus' words. The concept of "greater works" can be seen as a form of **Paradox**, as it seems counterintuitive that finite humans could perform works "greater" than the Son of God. This paradox is resolved by understanding "greater" in terms of scope and by recognizing the divine enablement of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the verse clearly establishes a **Cause and Effect** relationship: "greater works... because I go unto my Father." Jesus' ascension is presented as the direct cause that enables the future, expansive ministry of His followers, highlighting the strategic necessity of His departure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 14:12 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the Church's mission and the nature of God's work through humanity. It fundamentally asserts that Christ's redemptive activity did not cease with His ascension but rather expanded exponentially through His Spirit-empowered followers. This promise elevates the role of every believer, demonstrating that their faith in Jesus is not merely for personal salvation but for active participation in the ongoing demonstration of God's power and love in the world. The "greater works" are a testament to the Holy Spirit's global reach, enabling the Gospel to penetrate every nation and transform countless lives, a scale impossible during Jesus' earthly ministry. This verse connects the individual believer's faith directly to the cosmic purposes of God, revealing that the Church's ministry is a direct continuation and amplification of Christ's own work, culminating in the establishment of His Kingdom.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")
* [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")
* [Romans 15:18-19](/romans/15-18-19 "Romans 15:18-19 - Paul's Ministry by the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 14:12 offers immense encouragement and a profound challenge to believers today. It reminds us that our faith in Jesus is not passive but active, empowering us to participate in God's redemptive work. The "works" we are called to do encompass not only supernatural manifestations of God's power but, more broadly, the spiritual work of evangelism, discipleship, acts of mercy, and the demonstration of God's love and truth in a broken world. This promise compels us to move beyond self-reliance and to depend entirely on the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer since Christ's ascension. It calls us to embrace our unique roles within the body of Christ, recognizing that our collective efforts, empowered by the Spirit, contribute to the global expansion of God's Kingdom, reaching far beyond what any single individual, even Jesus in His earthly ministry, could accomplish alone. We are invited to live with boldness, knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to bear fruit that brings glory to God and draws others into His marvelous light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you believe the "works that I do" manifest through believers today?**
* **How does understanding the "greater works" as expanded *scope* rather than *superior power* impact your view of your own ministry and the Church's mission?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in your daily life and service?**
* **How does Jesus' ascension to the Father, as the condition for these works, deepen your appreciation for His finished work and ongoing intercession?**
* **Considering this promise, what is one area of your life or ministry where you need to step out in greater faith, trusting God for "greater works"?**

### FAQ
**What exactly are the "greater works" Jesus refers to in John 14:12?**

Answer: The "greater works" (Greek: *meizona erga*) primarily refer to the vastly expanded *scope* and *impact* of the Gospel message and the Kingdom of God after Jesus' ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. While believers may perform similar miracles to those Jesus did (healing, casting out demons, etc.), the "greater" aspect is not about doing miracles of a higher *quality* or *inherent power* than Jesus' divine acts (e.g., creating the world or raising Himself from the dead). Instead, it signifies the global, numerical, and spiritual reach of the Church. During His earthly ministry, Jesus' physical presence limited His direct impact to a specific geographical region and a finite number of people. However, after His departure, His Spirit-empowered disciples would spread the Gospel to "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), leading to the conversion of millions and the establishment of the Church worldwide. This spiritual harvest, encompassing multitudes brought into the Kingdom, far surpasses the numerical scale of Jesus' direct ministry during His three years on earth.

**Does this verse mean believers can do more powerful miracles than Jesus did?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that believers can perform miracles of greater *inherent power* or *quality* than Jesus. Jesus, as God incarnate, performed unique, sovereign acts that demonstrated His divine nature and authority (e.g., calming storms with a word, raising Himself from the dead). The "greater works" in [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Jesus Promises Greater Works") are "greater" in terms of their *extent* and *reach*, not their inherent power or divine quality. The power behind the works of believers is still Christ's power, working through His Spirit. The emphasis is on the multiplication and global dissemination of the Gospel and its transformative effects, which was made possible by Jesus' ascension and the subsequent sending of the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower countless believers across generations and continents.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 14:12, though a promise to believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ Himself. The "works" believers perform are not independent acts but are a continuation of *His* works, flowing from *His* authority and empowered by *His* Spirit. Jesus' ascension, the very condition for these "greater works," is the pivotal moment of His glorification and enthronement at the right hand of the Father ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exalted to the Right Hand of God")). It is from this position of supreme authority that He sends the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter")), who then indwells and empowers His disciples. Thus, the "greater works" are a direct manifestation of Christ's ongoing reign and intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")), demonstrating His victorious triumph over sin and death and His continued active involvement in the world through His body, the Church. Every soul saved, every life transformed, and every act of Christ-like service performed by believers is ultimately a testament to the living, reigning Christ, who continues to build His Kingdom through those who believe in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:21

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Luke 10:17

¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Acts 3:8

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Acts 16:18

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.