John 14:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 14:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And whither I go, ye know the way.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And whither I go, ye know the way.
John 14:4 — American Standard Version

Context — John 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And whither I go, ye know the way.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And whither I go ye know, etc.] They might have known, at least, whither he was going, since he had spoke of his Father’s house, and of his going to prepare a place for them there, and doubtless had some knowledge thereof, though very confused and imperfect: and the way ye know: this also they might have known from some expressions of his, that the way to his Father’s house lay through sufferings and death, in which way they also were to follow him to his kingdom and glory. Though these words may be with an interrogation, “and whither I go do ye know? and the way do ye know?” which best agrees with Thomas’s answer, and removes all appearance of contradiction between Christ’s words and his.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“whither I go ye know . . . Thomas saith, Lord, we know not whither thou guest . . . Jesus saith, I am the way, &c.--By saying this, He meant rather to draw out their inquiries and reply to them. Christ is "THE WAY" to the Father--"no man cometh unto the Father but by Me"; He is "THE TRUTH" of all we find in the Father when we get to Him, "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col 2:9), and He is all "THE LIFE" that shall ever flow to us and bless us from the Godhead thus approached and thus manifested in Him--"this is the true God and eternal life" (Jo1 5:20).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Whither I go ye know - He had so often told them that he was to die, and rise, and ascend to heaven, that they could not but understand it, Matthew 16:21; Luke 9:22; Luke 18:31-32. The way ye know - That is, the way that leads to the dwelling-place to which he was going. The way which they were to tread was to obey his precepts, imitate his example, and follow him, John 14:6. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The way - Of faith, holiness, sufferings. John 14:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“whither: Joh 14:2, Joh 14:28, Joh 13:3, Joh 16:28; Luk 24:26 and the: Joh 3:16, Joh 3:17, Joh 3:36, Joh 6:40, Joh 6:68, Joh 6:69, Joh 10:9, Joh 12:26 John 14:5”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification