14:4 14:4

John 14:5

14:6 14:6

Bible Versions

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Thomas {G2381} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, we know {G1492} not {G3756} whither {G4226} thou goest {G5217}; and {G2532} how {G4459} can we {G1410} know {G1492} the way {G3598}?
T’oma said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going; so how can we know the way?”
“Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?”
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?

Commentary on John 14:5 (KJV)

John 14:5 records a pivotal moment in Jesus's "Farewell Discourse" to His disciples, delivered shortly before His crucifixion. This verse captures Thomas's honest, yet literal-minded, question in response to Jesus's earlier statement about His departure and the disciples knowing "the way."

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus's comforting words in the Upper Room, where He had been preparing His disciples for His imminent departure. He had just declared, "And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know" (John 14:4). Jesus's statement was spiritual, referring to His journey to the Father and the spiritual path of faith in Him. However, Thomas, known for his direct and often pragmatic nature, voices the disciples' collective confusion, indicating they did not grasp the profound spiritual meaning behind Jesus's words about His destination and the means to reach it.

Key Themes

  • Disciples' Limited Understanding: The verse highlights the disciples' struggle to comprehend Jesus's impending departure, His spiritual destination, and the nature of His kingdom. They often interpreted His words literally, leading to bewilderment.
  • Thomas's Honest Questioning: Thomas acts as a spokesperson, articulating the practical question that others might have been thinking but were hesitant to ask. His directness sets the stage for one of Jesus's most profound declarations about Himself.
  • The Quest for the "Way": Thomas's core concern is not just *where* Jesus is going, but *how* they can follow or understand the path to that destination. This inquiry about "the way" is crucial, as it directly prompts Jesus's clarifying answer.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "way" is hodos (ὁδός), which can mean a literal path or road, a journey, or, metaphorically, a course of conduct, a doctrine, or the means to an end. Thomas's question uses hodos in its literal sense, expecting directions or a map. Jesus's subsequent answer, however, elevates the term to a spiritual reality, revealing Himself as the ultimate "Way."

Related Scriptures

This verse is a direct lead-in to one of the Bible's most pivotal declarations. Thomas's honest question, "how can we know the way?" directly prompts Jesus's renowned and foundational answer: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). This immediate connection is essential for understanding the full significance of John 14:5, as it reveals Jesus as the sole path to God.

Practical Application

  • It's Okay to Ask Questions: Thomas's honest questioning reminds believers that doubt, confusion, and the need for clarity are natural parts of the faith journey. It is better to voice our uncertainties and seek understanding than to pretend comprehension.
  • Jesus is the Ultimate Answer: Just as Jesus immediately provided profound clarity to Thomas, He remains the ultimate source of truth, direction, and comfort for those seeking to understand God's plan and their spiritual path.
  • The Exclusive Path: This verse, and especially Jesus's subsequent answer, emphasizes that knowing Christ is synonymous with knowing the way to God and eternal life. There is no alternative path to the Father outside of 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.

  • John 11:16

    Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

  • Mark 9:19

    He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

  • John 20:25

    The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

  • John 20:28

    And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

  • John 15:12

    This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

  • Luke 24:25

    Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

  • Hebrews 5:11

    Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
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