John 14:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G3739}{G2532} whatsoever {G3748}{G302} ye shall ask {G154} in {G1722} my {G3450} name {G3686}, that {G5124} will I do {G4160}, that {G2443} the Father {G3962} may be glorified {G1392} in {G1722} the Son {G5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 14:13 presents a profound promise from Jesus to His disciples, assuring them that whatever they ask in His name, He will do, with the ultimate purpose of glorifying the Father through the Son. This verse, situated within Jesus' final discourse before His crucifixion, unveils the transformative power of prayer when offered in alignment with His character and divine will, establishing a vital connection between the believer's petitions, Christ's active agency, and the triune God's ultimate glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse, spanning [John chapters 13-17](/john/13 "John's Farewell Discourse"). Delivered in the intimate setting of the Upper Room, these chapters record Jesus' final, extended teachings to His disciples before His arrest and crucifixion. He is preparing them for His physical departure, comforting them, and equipping them for their future ministry. The immediate preceding verses (John 14:12) speak of believers doing "greater works" than Jesus, which sets the stage for the power and authority granted through prayer in His name, serving as a continuation of the theme of empowered ministry in His absence. The promise of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, 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 as Teacher and Reminder"), further clarifies the means by which believers will understand and pray according to Christ's will, ensuring that their requests align with the divine purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, a person's "name" encapsulated their entire character, authority, and reputation. To act "in someone's name" was to act as their representative, with their full authority and backing. This concept is crucial for understanding Jesus' promise. The disciples, soon to be without Jesus' physical presence, would need a new understanding of how to access divine power and authority for their mission. The cultural understanding of "name" would have immediately conveyed to them that this was not a magical incantation but an authorization to operate under Jesus' full identity and purpose. Furthermore, the setting in Jerusalem during Passover week, with the looming threat of Jesus' crucifixion, imbued these words with immense weight and urgency, preparing the disciples for a new era of ministry empowered by the ascended Christ.
* **Key Themes:** John 14:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Power**, demonstrating that Jesus, even in His impending departure, retains all authority and actively works on behalf of His followers. It also highlights the **Interconnectedness of the Trinity**, showing how the Son's actions in response to prayer ultimately serve to glorify the Father. This promise of answered prayer "in my name" is deeply tied to the theme of **Abiding in Christ** and bearing fruit, as seen in [John 15:7-8](/john/15-7-8 "John 15:7-8 - Abiding and Bearing Fruit"), where abiding in His words enables effective prayer. It reinforces the **New Covenant Relationship** between God and humanity through Christ, where believers are granted direct access and partnership with the divine for the advancement of God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This term refers to asking or petitioning, often with a sense of requesting something from a superior. It implies a dependent relationship where the one asking is seeking something from another who has the power to grant it. In this context, it highlights the believer's reliance on Jesus for the fulfillment of their requests, emphasizing that the power to answer resides with Him.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** More than a mere label, "name" in biblical thought signifies the full character, authority, nature, and reputation of an individual. To ask "in my name" is not to append a formulaic phrase to a prayer, but to pray in alignment with Jesus' very being, His purposes, His will, and His delegated authority. It implies a deep, intimate relationship and identification with Christ, where one's desires are shaped by His.
* **glorified (Greek, _doxázō'_):** Derived from "doxa" (glory), this verb means to render or esteem glorious, to magnify, or to honor. It speaks of revealing the inherent splendor, majesty, and worth of someone. Here, it denotes that the ultimate aim of answered prayer and Christ's actions is to showcase the Father's supreme excellence and power, thereby bringing Him honor and recognition through the Son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,"**: This clause sets the condition and scope of the promise. The phrase "whatsoever ye shall ask" (Greek: _hó ti an aitḗsēte_) indicates a broad allowance, but it is immediately qualified by the crucial phrase "in my name." As discussed in the key word analysis, this is not a blank check for selfish desires but rather a profound theological statement implying that the requests must be consistent with Jesus' character, authority, and divine will. It suggests a prayer life deeply rooted in an understanding of who Jesus is and what His kingdom purposes are.
* **"that will I do,"**: Here, Jesus Himself, the Son of God, makes a direct and active promise to respond. The "I" is emphatic, highlighting His personal agency and divine power. This assures the disciples that even after His ascension, He remains actively involved in the affairs of His followers, working to fulfill prayers that align with His name. It underscores His continued mediatorial role and authority in the heavenly realm.
* **"that the Father may be glorified in the Son."**: This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and theological motivation behind the entire promise. All divine action, including the answering of prayer, is ultimately directed toward the glory of God. When prayers are answered according to Christ's will, it demonstrates the Father's power, goodness, and faithfulness through the agency of the Son. This glorification is not merely verbal praise but a visible manifestation of God's nature and power through the Son's work in the world, confirming the unity and shared purpose of the Father and the Son.

#### Literary Devices
John 14:13 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Promise**, as Jesus directly assures His disciples of His future action, providing comfort and confidence. The verse also utilizes a **Purpose Clause** ("that the Father may be glorified in the Son"), which clearly articulates the teleological aim of the promise, emphasizing that all actions are ultimately for God's glory. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through repetition of the "I" (implied in "I do") and the direct connection between asking "in my name" and His doing. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Theological Linkage**, connecting the act of prayer, the Son's agency, and the Father's glory in a cohesive theological statement that underpins the entire Christian understanding of divine interaction with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 14:13 is a cornerstone verse for understanding Christian prayer and the dynamic relationship within the Trinity. It teaches that true prayer is not merely a human utterance but a participation in the divine will, mediated by Christ, and designed to bring ultimate glory to the Father. This promise underscores the active, ongoing intercession and authority of the ascended Christ, assuring believers that their prayers, when aligned with His character and purpose, are not only heard but acted upon by the Lord Himself. It transforms prayer from a passive request into a powerful partnership with God for the advancement of His kingdom, revealing that God's primary motivation in all things is His own glory, manifested through the Son.

* [John 15:7](/john/15-7 "Abiding and Asking")
* [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Confidence in Asking According to His Will")
* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Ask, Seek, Knock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 14:13 invites believers into a deeper, more intentional prayer life. It challenges us to move beyond superficial requests and to cultivate a profound intimacy with Christ, allowing His desires to shape our own. To ask "in His name" means to pray with His authority, for His purposes, and in a way that reflects His character. This requires diligent study of His Word, a life surrendered to His Spirit, and a heart attuned to His will. When our prayers are aligned with Christ's mission, we can pray with absolute confidence, knowing that the ascended Lord actively works to fulfill these petitions, not for our selfish gain, but for the ultimate glorification of the Father. This understanding transforms prayer from a burdensome duty into a powerful privilege, empowering us to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my current prayer life reflect an understanding of "asking in Jesus' name" as more than just a closing phrase?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of Jesus' character and mission shape the content and focus of my prayers?**
* **What specific petitions in my life could be reframed to more explicitly seek the glory of the Father through the Son?**
* **How does the promise of Christ's active agency ("that will I do") encourage or challenge my faith in prayer?**

### FAQ
**Does "whatsoever ye shall ask" mean God will grant any request, even selfish ones?**

Answer: No, the phrase "whatsoever ye shall ask" is immediately qualified by "in my name." As explained in the exposition, "in my name" signifies praying in alignment with Jesus' character, authority, and divine will. It's not a blank check for selfish desires but an invitation to pray for things that honor Him and advance His kingdom. True prayer in Jesus' name reflects a heart transformed by Him, seeking His purposes, not merely personal gratification. This understanding is consistent with other passages, such as [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Asking According to His Will"), which states that God hears us "if we ask anything according to his will."

**How can I know if I am asking "in His name"?**

Answer: Asking "in His name" involves several key elements. First, it means having a personal relationship with Jesus, where your desires are increasingly conformed to His through the work of the Holy Spirit. Second, it involves praying according to His revealed will, which is found in His Word. The more you immerse yourself in Scripture and understand Jesus' teachings and mission, the more your prayers will align with His purposes. Third, it implies praying with faith, believing that Jesus has the power and desire to act. Ultimately, it's about seeking God's glory above all else, trusting that what brings Him glory will also be what is best for you and His kingdom, as highlighted by the purpose clause in [John 14:13](/john/14-13 "Asking in Jesus' Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 14:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the act of prayer, but in the very person and work of Jesus Christ. This promise is possible because Jesus is the unique Son, the ultimate revelation of God, and the sole mediator between God and humanity. His promise to "do" whatsoever is asked in His name points directly to His ascended authority and ongoing reign as Lord of all. The ultimate goal—"that the Father may be glorified in the Son"—is the very essence of Christ's mission. His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection were all designed to display the Father's glory (as seen in [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "Jesus Glorifies the Father")). When believers pray in His name, they are participating in this divine purpose, channeling the power of the new covenant established through His blood. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promises to send (as detailed in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), enables believers to understand and pray according to the Father's will, ensuring that their petitions are indeed "in His name." Thus, this verse is a testament to Christ's present intercession (as described in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession")) and His active role in bringing about the Father's sovereign plan through His redeemed people, making Him the central figure through whom all divine power flows and all divine glory is manifested.

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

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

John 16:23

¶ And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.