John 16:28

KJV

¶ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

KJV (with Strong's)

I came forth {G1831} from {G3844} the Father {G3962}, and {G2532} am come {G2064} into {G1519} the world {G2889}: again {G3825}, I leave {G863} the world {G2889}, and {G2532} go {G4198} to {G4314} the Father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and returning to the Father.”

Berean Standard Bible

I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.”

American Standard Version

I came out from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go unto the Father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:28 serves as a profound, concise declaration by Jesus, encapsulating the entirety of His redemptive mission: His divine origin from the Father, His incarnation into the world, His impending departure from the world through death and resurrection, and His glorious return to the Father. This statement, delivered during His Farewell Discourse, provides His disciples with a foundational understanding of His identity and the cosmic scope of His saving work, offering both clarification and comfort in the face of His imminent physical absence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal summary within Jesus' Farewell Discourse (John 13-17), delivered to His disciples in the upper room on the night before His crucifixion. Throughout this discourse, Jesus has been preparing His disciples for His departure, speaking of the coming of the Holy Spirit, the world's hatred, and the sorrow that will turn into joy. The disciples have been struggling to fully grasp His veiled references to "going away" and "a little while." Just prior to this verse, Jesus has explicitly stated that He would speak no more in parables but plainly (John 16:25). This verse, John 16:28, is His direct, unambiguous statement that finally clarifies His origin and destination, prompting the disciples' affirmation of understanding in [John 16:29-30](/john/16-29-30 "John 16:29-30 - Disciples' Understanding"). It acts as a theological anchor, confirming the truth of His mission before He faces the cross.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during Passover week, a time of immense religious and nationalistic fervor. The disciples, being devout Jews, would have been steeped in Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, often expecting a political deliverer who would establish an earthly kingdom. Jesus' repeated references to His "departure" and "going to the Father" would have been deeply unsettling and confusing for them, as it contradicted their earthly expectations of a conquering king. Culturally, the concept of a divine messenger coming from God and returning to God was not entirely alien in some philosophical circles, but Jesus' unique claim of being the Son who literally "came forth from the Father" and would "go to the Father" transcended typical human understanding, asserting a pre-existent, divine nature that was profoundly counter-cultural to strict monotheistic interpretations without the Trinitarian revelation.
* **Key Themes:** John 16:28 powerfully articulates several core themes central to John's Gospel and Christian theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Origin and Pre-existence of Christ**, echoing the prologue's declaration that [the Word was with God and was God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word's Divine Nature"). Jesus' coming "from the Father" establishes His unique, eternal relationship with God. Secondly, it highlights the **Incarnation**, the astonishing truth that the eternal Son "came into the world" by taking on human flesh, as vividly proclaimed in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Thirdly, the verse foreshadows Jesus' **Atoning Work and Ascension**, signifying that His "leaving the world" is not an abandonment but the completion of His redemptive mission through His death, resurrection, and subsequent return to glory. This departure is the means by which He accomplishes salvation. Finally, it emphasizes Jesus' **Return to the Father's Presence and Exaltation**, affirming that His mission culminates in His glorious re-enthronement at God's right hand, as seen in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came forth (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** From G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad." This word emphasizes Jesus' divine origin and initiative. He did not merely appear, but actively "issued forth" from the Father, underscoring His pre-existence and purposeful mission. It suggests a deliberate movement from one sphere of existence (the divine, eternal realm) into another (the temporal, earthly realm).
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** From G2889, meaning "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world." In John's Gospel, "world" often carries a dual meaning: the created order and humanity, often in its fallen, alienated state from God. Here, it signifies the sphere of human existence and sin into which Jesus entered for redemptive purposes, highlighting the vast chasm He bridged.
* **Father (Greek, _patḗr'_):** From G3962, meaning "a 'father' (literally or figuratively, near or more remote):--father, parent." This term is central to John's theology, emphasizing the unique, intimate, and eternal relationship between Jesus and God. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a servant, but the Son who shares the very essence and being of the Father, from whom He originates and to whom He returns. This relationship is the source of His authority and mission.
* **leave (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth, in various applications (as follow):--cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up." In this context, "leave" signifies Jesus' departure from the earthly realm, encompassing His death, resurrection, and ascension. It is not an abandonment but a purposeful completion of His mission, allowing for the sending of the Holy Spirit and His return to glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I came forth from the Father,"**: This clause asserts Jesus' divine origin and pre-existence. It speaks to His eternal relationship with God the Father, indicating that He did not begin His existence at His human birth but proceeded from the very being of God. This is a profound statement of His divinity, establishing His authority and unique identity as the Son of God.
* **"and am come into the world:"**: This signifies the Incarnation, the moment when the eternal Son took on human flesh and entered the created order. It highlights the condescension of God, who, out of love, entered the realm of humanity, with all its brokenness and sin, to accomplish salvation. This "coming" is a deliberate, purposeful act of divine intervention.
* **"again, I leave the world,"**: This points to Jesus' impending departure from His earthly ministry, which would involve His crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ultimately, His ascension. The word "again" (_pálin_) emphasizes the cyclical nature of His journey—a return movement. His "leaving" is not a defeat but the necessary fulfillment of His redemptive work, making way for the next phase of God's plan.
* **"and go to the Father."**: This final clause describes Jesus' glorious return to His rightful place at the Father's side. It speaks of His ascension and exaltation, signifying the successful completion of His earthly mission and His re-entry into the full glory of the Godhead. This return ensures His ongoing intercession for believers and His sovereign rule from heaven.

#### Literary Devices
John 16:28 masterfully employs **Chiasm** (an A-B-B'-A' structure) to underscore Jesus' complete redemptive journey. The pattern is "Came forth from the Father (A) – came into the world (B) – leave the world (B') – go to the Father (A')." This chiastic structure visually and conceptually emphasizes the cyclical nature of His mission, beginning and ending with the Father, with His earthly sojourn as the central, pivotal event. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by juxtaposing "from the Father" with "into the world" and "leave the world" with "go to the Father." This highlights the two distinct realms Jesus traversed – the divine and the earthly – and the profound distance He bridged for humanity's salvation. The concise, declarative nature of the statement also lends it a powerful **Authoritative Tone**, reinforcing Jesus' unique self-awareness and divine identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:28 is a theological cornerstone, succinctly articulating the pre-existence, incarnation, atoning work, and ascension of Jesus Christ. It reveals the Trinitarian nature of God, with the Son originating from and returning to the Father, all within the divine plan for humanity's salvation. This verse underscores the purposeful nature of Christ's entire earthly sojourn, not as an accidental event but as a divinely orchestrated mission from eternity to eternity. It assures believers that Jesus' departure was not an abandonment but a necessary step for the full realization of God's redemptive purposes, including the sending of the Holy Spirit and His ongoing intercession for His people.

* [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")
* [Philippians 2:6-11](/philippians/2-6-11 "Philippians 2:6-11 - The Kenosis Hymn")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:28 offers profound comfort and clarity for believers today. It grounds our faith in the absolute truth of Jesus' divine identity and the purposeful nature of His mission. Understanding that Jesus "came forth from the Father" assures us of His authority and the divine backing of His words and works. His "coming into the world" reminds us of God's immense love and willingness to enter our broken reality to redeem us. His "leaving the world" and "going to the Father" signifies the completion of His redemptive work on the cross and His glorious exaltation, ensuring our salvation and His ongoing intercession for us. This complete journey provides an unshakable foundation for our hope and trust, knowing that our Savior is not merely a historical figure but the eternally existent Son who accomplished all that was necessary for our reconciliation with God. It calls us to live with confidence in His finished work and with anticipation of His promised return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' journey "from the Father... into the world... and back to the Father" shape your understanding of His divine nature and mission?**
* **In what ways does knowing Jesus' complete redemptive journey (pre-existence, incarnation, atonement, ascension) bring you comfort and assurance in your daily life?**
* **How can reflecting on Jesus' purposeful "leaving the world" and "going to the Father" strengthen your hope and trust in God's overarching plan, even amidst uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus saying "I came forth from the Father"?**

Answer: This statement is profoundly significant because it asserts Jesus' divine origin and pre-existence. It means Jesus did not begin His existence at His birth in Bethlehem but eternally existed with the Father. It highlights His unique relationship as the Son who proceeds from the very essence of God, establishing His divinity and authority. This is a core tenet of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus is God incarnate, not merely a prophet or a created being. It echoes the opening of John's Gospel, where [the Word was with God and the Word was God](/john/1-1 "The Word's Eternal Nature").

**How does this verse relate to the Incarnation and the Ascension?**

Answer: John 16:28 directly speaks to both the Incarnation and the Ascension. "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world" refers to the Incarnation, where the eternal Son of God took on human flesh and dwelt among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). This was God's direct intervention into human history. "Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father" refers to Jesus' departure from the earthly realm through His death, resurrection, and ultimately, His Ascension. The Ascension is His glorious return to His rightful place at the Father's side, signifying the completion of His earthly redemptive work and His exaltation ([Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - Jesus Ascends into Heaven")).

**Why did Jesus need to "leave the world" and "go to the Father"?**

Answer: Jesus' departure was essential for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the completion of His atoning work on the cross, His victory over sin and death through the resurrection, and His glorification. Secondly, His physical departure was necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" or "Advocate," who would empower the disciples, guide them into all truth, and indwell believers ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). Thirdly, His return to the Father signifies His ongoing role as our High Priest and Advocate, interceding for us in heaven ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). His ascension also foreshadows His promised return to earth ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:28 is a quintessential Christ-centered statement, encapsulating the entire arc of the Son's redemptive mission. It speaks to Jesus' eternal pre-existence with the Father, a truth echoed in [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy") where He is described as the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." His "coming into the world" is the Incarnation, the miraculous moment when the divine Word became flesh, taking on human nature without ceasing to be God, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation"). This act of divine condescension was solely for the purpose of salvation, to reconcile a fallen humanity to a holy God. His statement "I leave the world" foreshadows His sacrificial death on the cross, the ultimate act of atonement by which He bore the sins of humanity, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant found in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, His declaration "and go to the Father" points to His glorious resurrection and ascension, where He was exalted to God's right hand, reigning as King and High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Christ Our Great High Priest")). Thus, John 16:28 is not merely a historical summary but a profound theological truth that reveals the very heart of the Gospel: God's eternal Son, in perfect obedience to the Father, fully accomplished salvation from beginning to end, bridging the chasm between God and humanity and securing eternal life for all 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

John 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

John 13:3

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

John 8:14

Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, [yet] my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

John 16:5

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

John 16:16

¶ A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

John 14:28

¶ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

Acts 1:9

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.