John 14:2

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 14:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “In my Father`s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

In my Father`s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2 — American Standard Version

Context — John 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2In my Father`s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“In my Father’s house are many mansions, etc.] This he says to draw off their minds from an earthly kingdom to an heavenly one; to point out the place to them whither he was going, and to support them with the views and hopes of glory under all their troubles. By his “Father’s house” is meant heaven; (see <470501>2 Corinthians 5:1); which is of his Father’s building, where he has, and will have all his family. This Christ says partly to reconcile the minds of his disciples to his departure from them, and partly to strengthen their hope of following him thither; since it was his Father’s, and their Father’s house whither he was going, and in which “are many mansions”; abiding or dwelling…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In my Father's house are many mansions--and so room for all, and a place for each. if not, I would have told you--that is, I would tell you so at once; I would not deceive you. I go to prepare a place for you--to obtain for you a right to be there, and to possess your "place."”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In my Father’s house - Most interpreters understand this of heaven, as the special dwelling-place or palace of God; but it may include the universe, as the abode of the omnipresent God. Are many mansions - The word rendered “mansions” means either the act of dwelling in any place (John 14:23, “we will make our abode with him”), or it means the place where one dwells. It is taken from the verb to remain, and signifies the place where one dwells or remains. It is applied by the Greek writers to the tents or temporary habitations which soldiers pitch in their marches. It denotes a dwelling of less permanency than the word house. It is commonly understood as affirming that in heaven there is…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“In my Father's house are many mansions - Enough to receive both the holy angels, and your predecessors in the faith, and all that now believe, and a great multitude, which no man can number. John 14:4”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home: God’s house is the dwelling place where he resides (Rev 21:9–22:5). The word translated “room” is related to the Greek verb meaning “remain, abide, dwell.” Jesus promises that his followers will have a place to “dwell” alongside him, wherever he is. Later, this “dwelling” becomes a place of “indwelling” as Jesus makes his home in his followers’ hearts through the Spirit (John 14:23).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“my: Co2 5:1; Heb 11:10, Heb 11:14-16, Heb 13:14; Rev 3:12, Rev 3:21, 21:10-27 if: Joh 12:25, Joh 12:26, Joh 16:4; Luk 14:26-33; Act 9:16; Th1 3:3, Th1 3:4, Th1 5:9; Th2 1:4-10; Tit 1:2; Rev 1:5 I go: Joh 13:33, Joh 13:36, Joh 17:24; Heb 6:20, Heb 9:8, Heb 9:23-26, Heb 11:16; Rev 21:2 John 14:3”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification