John 12:50
New International Version
I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

New Living Translation
And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

English Standard Version
And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

Berean Standard Bible
And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

Berean Literal Bible
And I know that His commandment is eternal life. Therefore what I speak, as the Father has said to Me, so I speak."

King James Bible
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

New King James Version
And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

New American Standard Bible
And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

NASB 1995
“I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

NASB 1977
“And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

Amplified Bible
I know that His commandment is eternal life. So the things I speak, I speak [in accordance with His exact instruction,] just as the Father has told Me.”

Christian Standard Bible
I know that his command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I know that His command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

American Standard Version
And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.

Contemporary English Version
I know that his commands will bring eternal life. This is why I tell you exactly what the Father has told me.

English Revised Version
And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I know that what he commands is eternal life. Whatever I say is what the Father told me to say."

Good News Translation
And I know that his command brings eternal life. What I say, then, is what the Father has told me to say."

International Standard Version
And I know that what he commands brings eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me."

Majority Standard Bible
And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

NET Bible
And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Thus the things I say, I say just as the Father has told me."

New Heart English Bible
I know that his commandment is everlasting life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak."

Webster's Bible Translation
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatever I speak therefore, even as the Father said to me, so I speak.

Weymouth New Testament
And I know that His command is the Life of the Ages. What therefore I speak, I speak just as the Father has bidden me."

World English Bible
I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I have known that His command is continuous life; what, therefore, I speak, according as the Father has said to Me, so I speak.”

Berean Literal Bible
And I know that His commandment is eternal life. Therefore what I speak, as the Father has said to Me, so I speak."

Young's Literal Translation
and I have known that His command is life age-during; what, therefore, I speak, according as the Father hath said to me, so I speak.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I know that his command is life eternal: therefore what I speak, as the Father said to me, so I speak.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting. The things therefore that I speak, even as the Father said unto me, so do I speak.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Therefore, the things that I speak, just as the Father has said to me, so also do I speak.”

New American Bible
And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”

New Revised Standard Version
And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting; these things therefore which I speak, just as my Father told me, so I speak.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“I know that his commandments are eternal life, therefore, these things which I am speaking, just as The Father tells me, thus I speak.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And I know that his commandment is life eternal. What things I speak therefore, as the Father has said to me, so I speak.

Godbey New Testament
And I know that His commandment is eternal life. Now whatsoever thing I say, as the Father has spoken unto me, so I say.

Haweis New Testament
And I know that his commandment is life eternal: therefore the things which I speak to you, just as the Father spake to me, so speak I.

Mace New Testament
and I know that it is a commission of eternal life: whatever therefore I say, I deliver just as the father directed me.

Weymouth New Testament
And I know that His command is the Life of the Ages. What therefore I speak, I speak just as the Father has bidden me."

Worrell New Testament
And I know that His commandment is life eternal. What things, therefore, I speak, even as My Father hath told Me, so I speak."

Worsley New Testament
And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, I so speak, as the Father hath directed me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Belief and Unbelief
49I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. 50And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

Cross References
John 5:19-30
So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does. / The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these. / For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. ...

John 14:10
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.

John 7:16-17
“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. / If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.

John 8:28
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.

John 14:24
Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words. The word that you hear is not My own, but it is from the Father who sent Me.

John 3:34
For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.

John 17:8
For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.

John 8:26
“I have much to say about you and much to judge. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.”

John 5:36-37
But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. / And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form,

John 14:31
But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up! Let us go on from here.

John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

John 17:4
I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.

Deuteronomy 18:18-19
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.

Isaiah 50:4-5
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. / The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.


Treasury of Scripture

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatever I speak therefore, even as the Father said to me, so I speak.

his.

John 6:63,68
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life…

John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

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Ages Bidden Command Commandment Eternal Everlasting Life Order Speak Whatever Whatsoever
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Ages Bidden Command Commandment Eternal Everlasting Life Order Speak Whatever Whatsoever
John 12
1. Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.
9. The people flock to see Lazarus.
10. The chief priests consult to kill him.
12. Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
20. Greeks desire to see Jesus.
23. He foretells his death.
37. The people are generally blinded;
42. yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;
44. therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.














I know
The phrase "I know" reflects the Greek word "οἶδα" (oida), which implies a deep, intuitive knowledge. This is not mere intellectual understanding but a profound certainty. Jesus, being one with the Father, possesses an intimate awareness of divine truths. This knowledge is not speculative but assured, emphasizing the divine authority and reliability of His teachings. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the trustworthiness of Jesus' words as the ultimate revelation of God's will.

that His command
The term "command" comes from the Greek "ἐντολή" (entolē), which signifies an authoritative order or directive. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it refers to the divine instructions given by God the Father. This highlights the unity and harmony between the Father and the Son, as Jesus faithfully communicates the Father's will. Historically, commands from God were seen as life-giving and protective, guiding believers in righteousness.

leads to eternal life
"Eternal life" in Greek is "ζωὴ αἰώνιος" (zōē aiōnios), denoting not just unending existence but a quality of life that is rich, full, and in communion with God. This life begins now and extends into eternity. The conservative Christian view emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God, accessed through faith in Jesus Christ. The command of God, as revealed by Jesus, is the pathway to this abundant life, contrasting with the temporal and fleeting nature of earthly pursuits.

So I speak
The phrase "I speak" is derived from the Greek "λαλέω" (laleō), which means to utter or proclaim. Jesus' speaking is not random or self-originated; it is purposeful and divinely inspired. This reflects the prophetic tradition where God's messengers spoke His words to the people. Jesus, as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, speaks with authority, delivering the message of salvation and truth.

exactly what the Father has told Me to say
The precision in "exactly" underscores the faithfulness and obedience of Jesus to the Father's will. The Greek "καθώς" (kathōs) implies conformity and exactness. Jesus' mission was to reveal the Father, and He did so without deviation. This phrase highlights the perfect unity and submission within the Trinity, serving as a model for believers to seek alignment with God's will. In a conservative Christian context, it affirms the inerrancy and divine origin of Jesus' teachings, encouraging believers to adhere closely to the Word of God as revealed in Scripture.

(50) And I know that his commandment is life everlasting.--i.e., the commission of the Messianic work. It is better to read here, as before, eternal life. (Comp. John 3:15, et al.) The Son speaks not of Himself, but He speaks as executing this commission, which brings spiritual and eternal life to the world. It could not be otherwise. This commandment being eternal life, the whole teaching of the Messiah must simply be an utterance of it.

As the Father said unto me, so I speak.--This clause answers to "what I should say and what I should speak" in the last verse. The external revelation is regarded as the work of the Son. That which the Father says is the truth revealed, and the matter and form are here identified.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I know
οἶδα (oida)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

command
ἐντολὴ (entolē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

leads to
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

eternal
αἰώνιός (aiōnios)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.

life.
ζωὴ (zōē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

speak
λαλῶ (lalō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

exactly
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

what
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Father
Πατήρ (Patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

has told
εἴρηκέν (eirēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

Me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to say.”
λαλῶ (lalō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.


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