John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

And {G2532} if {G1437} I go {G4198} and {G2532} prepare {G2090} a place {G5117} for you {G5213}, I will come {G2064} again {G3825}, and {G2532} receive {G3880} you {G5209} unto {G4314} myself {G1683}; that {G2443} where {G3699} I {G1473} am {G1510}, there ye {G5210} may be {G5600} also {G2532}.

Since I am going and preparing a place for you, I will return to take you with me; so that where I am, you may be also.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Commentary

John 14:3 is a cornerstone of Christian hope, part of Jesus' profound Farewell Discourse to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. This verse immediately follows His assurance in John 14:1, where He encourages them not to let their hearts be troubled, and the declaration in John 14:2 about the "many mansions" in His Father's house.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Promise of Return: Jesus explicitly states, "I will come again." This is one of the clearest and most comforting promises of the Second Coming of Christ. It assures His followers that His departure is not abandonment but a temporary separation with a definite reunion in view.
  • Preparation of a Heavenly Dwelling: "And if I go and prepare a place for you..." This signifies that Jesus is actively working on behalf of His believers, ensuring their eternal home. It speaks to the future reality of a new heaven and new earth where God's people will dwell in perfect fellowship.
  • Eternal Fellowship with Christ: The ultimate purpose of His return is "to receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." The core of this promise is not just a place, but the presence of Christ. The believer's greatest hope is to be forever with the Lord, as echoed in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "prepare" is hetoimazo (ἑτοιμάζω), meaning to make ready, to make preparations for. It implies a deliberate and purposeful action by Jesus, ensuring everything is set for the arrival of His disciples. The phrase "I will come again" uses erchomai palin (ἔρχομαι πάλιν), a direct and unambiguous statement of future arrival, underscoring the certainty of this central Christian doctrine.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Jewish culture, it was common for a bridegroom to leave his father's house to prepare a home for his future bride, often adding rooms or building an annex to his father's existing dwelling, before returning to claim her. This cultural practice provides a beautiful backdrop to Jesus' words, casting Him as the divine Bridegroom preparing a dwelling for His church, the bride. His departure (ascension) and promised return resonate with this familiar imagery, offering comfort and understanding to His disciples.

Practical Application

John 14:3 offers immense comfort and hope to believers across generations. It reminds us that our earthly struggles are temporary and that a glorious, eternal future awaits us in the presence of Christ. This promise should instill peace in the face of uncertainty, motivate us to live lives worthy of our calling, and encourage us to share this certain hope with others. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our true home is not here, but with Him.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (35 votes)

    For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (35 votes)

    Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • John 12:26 (24 votes)

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

  • 2 Timothy 2:12 (21 votes)

    If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

  • Acts 1:11 (17 votes)

    Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

  • Hebrews 9:28 (11 votes)

    So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

  • Romans 8:17 (11 votes)

    ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.