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John 14:11

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Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Believe {G4100} me {G3427} that {G3754} I {G1473} am in {G1722} the Father {G3962}, and {G2532} the Father {G3962} in {G1722} me {G1698}: or else {G1490} believe {G4100} me {G3427} for {G1223} the very {G846} works {G2041}' sake {G846}.

Trust me, that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me. But if you can’t, then trust because of the works themselves.

Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves.

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Commentary

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse with His disciples during the Last Supper, following Philip's request, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us" (John 14:8). Jesus is patiently explaining His relationship with the Father and the nature of His identity.

Context

In the verses immediately preceding John 14:11, Jesus tells Philip that seeing Him is seeing the Father, because He is in the Father and the Father is in Him (John 14:9). This statement is profound and potentially difficult for the disciples to grasp fully. Therefore, Jesus offers two bases for belief in His unique relationship with God: His direct assertion ("Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me") and the undeniable evidence of His actions ("or else believe me for the very works' sake").

Key Themes

  • Divine Union: The core message is the profound unity and mutual indwelling of Jesus and God the Father. This speaks to Jesus' divine nature and His inseparable connection to the Father.
  • Basis for Belief: Jesus provides two legitimate reasons for His disciples (and us) to believe in His identity and relationship with the Father: His own testimony and the evidence of His powerful works.
  • Testimony of Works: Jesus' miracles and deeds were not just random acts but were intended to demonstrate His divine authority and prove that He was sent by the Father and acted in the Father's power. As He states elsewhere, the works the Father gave Him to finish bear witness of Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Believe me" translates the Greek Pisteuete moi (πιστεύετέ μοι), which is an imperative, a command or strong exhortation to trust or have faith in what Jesus is saying. The word "works" is from the Greek ergon (ἔργων), referring to deeds, actions, particularly those demonstrating power or divine origin, like miracles. The emphasis is on the visible, tangible evidence these actions provide.

Reflection and Application

Jesus understands that belief can come through different avenues. For some, accepting His direct claim about His identity is sufficient. For others, the evidence of His life, teachings, death, resurrection, and the impact He has had throughout history serves as powerful proof. This verse encourages us to examine the evidence Jesus provided through His "works." His life and actions testify to who He is and His unique relationship with the Father. We are called to believe, whether based on His word or the undeniable signs of His power and presence, which continue today through the work of the Holy Spirit and the transformation of lives.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 10:38 (11 votes)

    But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father [is] in me, and I in him.

  • John 10:25 (11 votes)

    Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

  • John 5:36 (11 votes)

    But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

  • John 14:10 (7 votes)

    Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

  • Acts 2:22 (6 votes)

    Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

  • Hebrews 2:4 (4 votes)

    God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

  • John 10:32 (3 votes)

    Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?