John 14:20

KJV

At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

KJV (with Strong's)

At {G1722} that {G1565} day {G2250} ye {G5210} shall know {G1097} that {G3754} I {G1473} am in {G1722} my {G3450} Father {G3962}, and {G2532} ye {G5210} in {G1722} me {G1698}, and I {G2504} in {G1722} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, you will know that I am united with my Father, and you with me, and I with you.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.

American Standard Version

In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Unveils a profound spiritual reality that Jesus promises will be fully realized by His disciples after His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This verse speaks of a dynamic, reciprocal indwelling: the Son in the Father, believers in the Son, and the Son in believers. It signifies a new covenant intimacy, where the knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but an experiential communion, transforming the believer's relationship with the Triune God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse, spanning [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Farewell Discourse") through [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus addresses His disciples' profound distress and confusion regarding His impending departure. He is preparing them for a new phase of their relationship with God, one that transcends His physical presence. Immediately preceding [John 14:20](/john/14-20 "John 14:20"), Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the "Helper" or "Comforter," who will abide with them forever and enable them to know Him in a new way ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Helper")). The phrase "At that day" directly points to the post-resurrection and Pentecost era, when the Spirit's indwelling would make this mutual union an experiential reality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Jewish understanding, God's presence was often localized, whether in the Tabernacle or the Temple, or manifested through specific acts of divine intervention. The concept of God "dwelling" within individuals, especially in such an intimate, reciprocal manner, was revolutionary. While prophets and kings might receive the Spirit for specific tasks, the promise of a universal indwelling for all believers marked a radical shift from the Old Covenant to the New. The "knowing" Jesus speaks of is not merely intellectual assent, which was common in Greek thought, but the deep, relational, and experiential knowledge (Hebrew _yada'_) that characterizes covenant relationship, implying intimacy and personal involvement. This spiritual reality would redefine the very nature of worship and communion with God for His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Union and Indwelling**, articulating the profound interconnectedness of the Trinity and, remarkably, the believer's participation in that divine life. Jesus' declaration, "I [am] in my Father," reaffirms His unique oneness and co-existence with God the Father, a truth consistently emphasized throughout John's Gospel, as seen in His claim, "[I and my Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Oneness with the Father")". The truly revolutionary aspect is the extension of this indwelling to believers: "ye in me, and I in you," signifying a spiritual union where believers are united with Christ, and Christ dwells within them through the Holy Spirit. This leads to the theme of **Spiritual Knowledge and Experiential Understanding**, where "ye shall know" denotes a deep, transformative understanding born out of the Spirit's indwelling, enabling believers to grasp the reality of their union with Christ and, through Him, with the Father. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the **New Covenant Relationship**, where God's presence is not external but internal, transforming believers from within. This foreshadows the profound imagery of the "[vine and branches](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in the Vine")" in [John 15](/john/15 "John 15 - The Vine and the Branches"), emphasizing abiding in Christ as the indispensable source of life and spiritual fruitfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb signifies more than intellectual apprehension; it denotes an experiential, intimate, and relational knowledge. It implies a personal acquaintance and a deep, transformative understanding that comes from direct experience. In this context, it is the Spirit-enabled realization of the mutual indwelling.
* **in (Greek, _en_):** This crucial preposition denotes not merely physical location but a deep, intimate union, a sphere of influence, and identification. When Jesus states "I _am_ in my Father, and ye _in_ me, and I _in_ you," it highlights a reciprocal, interdependent relationship that is the very essence of the Christian life, signifying spiritual unity and communion.
* **day (Greek, _hēméra_):** While literally meaning a 24-hour period, in this context, "At that day" figuratively refers to a specific, defined period or era. It points to the time inaugurated by Jesus' resurrection and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, marking the dawn of the New Covenant age when this promised spiritual reality would become accessible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that day ye shall know":** This clause sets the temporal and epistemological framework. "That day" refers to the era initiated by Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), when a new level of spiritual understanding and communion would be revealed. "Ye shall know" indicates an experiential, not merely intellectual, understanding that would become clear through the indwelling presence of the Spirit.
* **"that I [am] in my Father":** This foundational statement reaffirms the eternal, unique, and essential unity of Jesus with God the Father. It speaks to the divine nature of Christ and His inherent oneness with the first person of the Trinity, a core tenet of Trinitarian theology. This union is the basis for all subsequent spiritual realities.
* **"and ye in me":** This revolutionary declaration describes the believer's profound spiritual union with Christ. Through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are incorporated into Christ, sharing in His life, death, and resurrection. This is a positional truth, signifying their new identity and standing before God.
* **"and I in you":** This clause completes the reciprocal indwelling, emphasizing Christ's active presence within believers through the Holy Spirit. It speaks to the dynamic, empowering, and transforming reality of Christ's life animating the believer, providing spiritual vitality, guidance, and the ability to live a life pleasing to God.

#### Literary Devices
John 14:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Reciprocity**, evident in the repeated structure of "I in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you." This creates a sense of mutual indwelling and interconnectedness, emphasizing the intimate, two-way relationship between the divine persons and between Christ and His followers. The phrase "At that day" functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future pivotal moment (the coming of the Holy Spirit) that will unlock a new spiritual understanding and reality. The use of the preposition "in" (Greek: _en_) serves as **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical location but a deep, spiritual union, a sphere of existence, and a shared identity. This repeated "in" highlights the profound intimacy and unity that characterize the relationship between the Father, Son, and believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 14:20 is a cornerstone for understanding the profound reality of the believer's union with Christ, a central theme in Pauline theology as well. It reveals that the ultimate purpose of redemption is not merely forgiveness of sins, but participation in the divine life through Christ. This mutual indwelling means that believers are not just forgiven, but are brought into the very fellowship of the Trinity, experiencing God's presence not externally, but as an internal, transformative reality. This union forms the basis for spiritual power, identity, and the ability to live a life that reflects Christ. It underscores the Trinitarian nature of salvation, where the Father sends the Son, the Son accomplishes redemption, and the Spirit applies it, drawing believers into an unbreakable bond with God.

* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")
* [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")
* [1 John 4:15](/1_john/4-15 "1 John 4:15 - God Abides in Those Who Confess Jesus as Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 14:20 offers immense comfort, assurance, and a foundational truth for every believer. To truly grasp that Christ dwells within us, and we in Him, transforms our understanding of our identity, purpose, and daily walk. It means we are never alone; the very life and power of God are at work within us through the Holy Spirit. This profound union is the wellspring of spiritual life, enabling us to live righteously, overcome sin, and bear spiritual fruit. It empowers us to face challenges with divine strength, knowing that our sufficiency comes from Christ's indwelling presence. Embracing this truth fosters a deep sense of belonging and security, reminding us that our lives are inextricably intertwined with the life of God Himself. It calls us to live from this reality, allowing Christ's character to be expressed through us in every thought, word, and deed, making our lives a tangible demonstration of His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the reality of Christ dwelling in you impact your daily life and decisions, particularly when facing challenges or temptations?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper experiential "knowing" of this divine union, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a lived reality?**
* **How does understanding that you are "in Christ" shape your identity and purpose as a believer, and how might this influence your interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**What does "At that day" refer to in John 14:20?**

Answer: "At that day" refers to the time period inaugurated by Jesus' resurrection and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Before His death, Jesus' presence with His disciples was physical. After His resurrection and ascension, He promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would mediate His spiritual presence to believers. This "day" marks the transition from Jesus' physical presence to His spiritual indwelling in believers, making the intimate union described in the verse possible and experientially known. This is when the Helper, the Spirit of truth, would come and "[abide with you, and shall be in you](/john/14-17 "John 14:17 - The Spirit of Truth Abides in You")".

**How is the "knowing" in this verse different from intellectual understanding?**

Answer: The Greek word for "know" (_ginōskō_) implies more than just intellectual comprehension or factual knowledge. It refers to an experiential, relational, and intimate understanding, much like knowing a person through a deep relationship. It's a knowledge that transforms and engages the whole person, not just the mind. In the context of [John 14:20](/john/14-20 "John 14:20"), it means to experientially grasp and live in the reality of Christ's indwelling and the believer's union with Him, enabled by the Holy Spirit. It's a spiritual revelation that leads to a profound sense of communion and identity.

**How does John 14:20 relate to the doctrine of the Trinity?**

Answer: [John 14:20](/john/14-20 "John 14:20") is profoundly Trinitarian. It explicitly states "I [am] in my Father," affirming the essential unity and co-inherence (perichoresis) of the Son with the Father. Then, it extends this divine indwelling to believers: "ye in me, and I in you." This implies that through Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit (who is sent by both the Father and the Son, as described in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), believers are brought into a participation in the very life and fellowship of the Triune God. It illustrates how the Father, Son, and Spirit work together to bring about the salvation and spiritual union of believers with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 14:20](/john/14-20 "John 14:20") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the sole mediator enabling this profound spiritual reality. His incarnation, where "[the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")", was the initial step in bridging the gap between God and humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus atoned for sin, removing the barrier that separated us from God. His resurrection demonstrated His victory over death and inaugurated the new covenant, making possible the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is through Christ that we gain "[access by one Spirit unto the Father](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")". The promise that "ye in me, and I in you" is realized because Christ, having completed His redemptive work, sent the Spirit to live within believers, making them temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This verse points to the glorious truth that Christ's entire mission was to reconcile us to God, not just externally, but by bringing us into an intimate, indwelling union, where "[Christ in you, the hope of glory](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")" becomes our living reality, transforming us from the inside out and guaranteeing our future glorification ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Christ Dwells in You")).

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 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

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.

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 17:23

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 John 4:12

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.