John 13:33
New International Version
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

New Living Translation
Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going.

English Standard Version
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’

Berean Standard Bible
Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Berean Literal Bible
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek Me, and as I said to the Jews, now I say also to you: 'Where I go, you are not able to come.'

King James Bible
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

New King James Version
Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.

New American Standard Bible
Little children, I am still with you a little longer. You will look for Me; and just as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

NASB 1995
“Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

NASB 1977
“Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You shall seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, I now say to you also, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Amplified Bible
Little children, I am with you [only] a little longer. You will look for Me and, as I told the Jews, so I tell you now, ‘Where I am going, you are not able to come.’

Christian Standard Bible
Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so now I tell you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jews, Where I am going you cannot come,’ so now I tell you.

American Standard Version
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.

Contemporary English Version
My children, I will be with you for only a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won't find me. I tell you just as I told the people, "You cannot go where I am going."

English Revised Version
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus said, "Dear children, I will still be with you for a little while. I'm telling you what I told the Jews. You will look for me, but you can't go where I'm going.

Good News Translation
My children, I shall not be with you very much longer. You will look for me; but I tell you now what I told the Jewish authorities, 'You cannot go where I am going.'

International Standard Version
Little children, I'm with you only a little longer. You will look for me, but what I told the Jewish leaders I now tell you, 'Where I'm going, you cannot come.'

Majority Standard Bible
Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

NET Bible
Children, I am still with you for a little while. You will look for me, and just as I said to the Jewish religious leaders, 'Where I am going you cannot come,' now I tell you the same.

New Heart English Bible
Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jewish leaders, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I tell you.

Webster's Bible Translation
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye will seek me: and, as I said to the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

Weymouth New Testament
Dear children, I am still with you a little longer. You will seek me, but, as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going you cannot come,' so for the present I say to you.

World English Bible
Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come,’ so now I tell you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Little children, yet a little [while] am I with you; you will seek Me, and according as I said to the Jews, I also say to you now: To where I go away, you are not able to come.

Berean Literal Bible
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek Me, and as I said to the Jews, now I say also to you: 'Where I go, you are not able to come.'

Young's Literal Translation
Little children, yet a little am I with you; ye will seek me, and, according as I said to the Jews -- Whither I go away, ye are not able to come, to you also I do say it now.

Smith's Literal Translation
Little children, yet a little am I with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said to the Jews, That where I retire, ye cannot come; and I say to you now.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me; and as I said to the Jews: Whither I go you cannot come; so I say to you now.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Little sons, for a brief while, I am with you. You shall seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you are not able to go,’ so also I say to you now.

New American Bible
My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.

New Revised Standard Version
Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
My sons, I am with you yet a little while, and you will want me. And just as I said to the Jews, Where I go you cannot come; so now I tell you also.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“My children, a little longer I am with you, and you will seek me, and just as I said to the Judeans, 'The place to which I am departing, you cannot come', also I say to you now.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and, as I said to the Jews, whither I go, you can not come, so now I say to you.

Godbey New Testament
Children, I am still with you. You shall seek me, and as I said to the Jews, Whither I go, you are not able to come; and now I say to you.

Haweis New Testament
My dear children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: as I said to the Jews, Whither I am going, ye cannot come; so say I now to you.

Mace New Testament
my dear children, I am with you but for a little while, you shall seek me: but as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you, "where I am going you cannot come."

Weymouth New Testament
Dear children, I am still with you a little longer. You will seek me, but, as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going you cannot come,' so for the present I say to you.

Worrell New Testament
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye will seek Me; and, as I said to the Jews, 'Whither I go ye cannot come;' so now I say to you.

Worsley New Testament
Little children, I am to be with you but a little while longer. Ye will wish for me, and as I said to the Jews, "Whither I go ye cannot come", so I now tell you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Love One Another
32If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify the Son in Himself—and will glorify Him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.…

Cross References
John 7:33-34
So Jesus said, “I am with you only a little while longer, and then I am going to the One who sent Me. / You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.”

John 8:21
Again He said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”

John 12:35
Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.

John 14:19
In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.

John 16:16
In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.”

John 16:28
I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.”

John 17:11
I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.

John 17:13
But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them.

Matthew 23:39
For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Matthew 26:11
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.

Mark 14:7
The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.

Luke 17:22
Then He said to the disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.

Luke 22:18
For I tell you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

Acts 20:25
Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.

Acts 20:38
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.


Treasury of Scripture

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me: and as I said to the Jews, Where I go, you cannot come; so now I say to you.

Little.

Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

1 John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

yet.

John 12:35,36
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth…

John 14:19
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

John 16:16-22
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…

Ye.

John 7:33
Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

John 8:21-24
Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come…

John 14:4-6
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know…

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John 13
1. Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.
18. He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;
31. commands them to love one another;
36. and forewarns Peter of his denials.














Little children
The Greek term used here is "τεκνία" (teknia), which is a diminutive form of "children," conveying a sense of deep affection and tenderness. This phrase reflects Jesus' intimate and pastoral relationship with His disciples. In the historical context, a rabbi addressing his disciples in such a manner would indicate a close-knit community, akin to a family. Jesus, as the spiritual father, is preparing His "children" for His imminent departure, emphasizing His care and concern for their spiritual well-being.

I am with you only a little while longer
This phrase underscores the urgency and the transient nature of Jesus' earthly ministry. The Greek word "μικρόν" (mikron) for "little" suggests brevity and immediacy. Historically, this was a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, as Jesus was preparing for His crucifixion. The disciples, unaware of the full scope of the events to come, are being gently prepared for the separation that will soon occur. This serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the presence of Christ while He is near.

You will look for Me
The act of searching or seeking, "ζητήσετε" (zētēsete) in Greek, implies a deep longing and desire to be with Jesus. This reflects the disciples' impending sense of loss and confusion following Jesus' departure. Scripturally, this echoes the human condition of seeking God, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. It highlights the innate desire within humanity to seek divine presence and guidance, a quest that finds fulfillment in the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

just as I told the Jews
Here, Jesus references His previous interactions with the Jewish leaders, as recorded in John 7:34 and 8:21. The phrase serves as a reminder of the consistent message Jesus has delivered throughout His ministry. Historically, this reiteration underscores the division between those who accept Jesus' message and those who do not. It also foreshadows the broader mission to the Gentiles, as the message of salvation extends beyond the Jewish community.

so now I tell you
This phrase marks a transition from Jesus' public ministry to a more intimate, private discourse with His disciples. The Greek "νῦν" (nun) for "now" indicates a present and personal application of His message. It emphasizes the importance of the disciples' understanding and preparation for the events to come. This moment is pivotal, as Jesus imparts crucial teachings and reassurances to His closest followers.

Where I am going, you cannot come
The destination Jesus refers to is His return to the Father, a journey that involves His death, resurrection, and ascension. The Greek "ὑπάγω" (hypagō) for "going" conveys a sense of purpose and direction. This statement highlights the unique role of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity. While the disciples cannot follow Him in this specific journey, it foreshadows the promise of eternal life and the eventual reunion with Christ in glory. This assurance provides hope and encouragement, reminding believers of the ultimate destination that awaits those who follow Jesus.

(33) Little children, yet a little while I am with you.--The thought of His own glory brings with it the thought of their state of orphanage when He shall have departed from them, and He addresses them as "Little children," with a word of tenderness spoken only here by Him. The word impressed itself upon the mind of St. John, and it occurs elsewhere in the New Testament only in his First Epistle (1John 2:1; 1John 2:12; 1John 2:28; 1John 3:7; 1John 3:18; 1John 4:4; 1John 5:21), and in an uncertain reading in the striking words of St. Paul, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." (See Note on Galatians 4:19, and comp. Introduction, p. 371.) . . . Verse 33. - This is the first and only time, in the Gospels that the tender word, little children, is used by the Lord (but compare παιδία of John 21:5, and the repeated adoption by John himself in 1 John 2:1, 12, 28; 1 John 3:7, 18; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:21; and τέκνα in Mark 10:24). The adoption of the gentle love-word is appropriate as a link to the new commandment, and reveals the love of departure, the tender love that wells up in his heart, as he contemplates the orphan-like and bereft condition of his disciples. A little while am I still with you. Ye shall seek me in the way of sympathetic love and vivid realization of my spiritual and real presence; and as I said ante the Jews (a term that Christ used in this place only when speaking to his disciples, though he had made use of it to the Samaritans, and would use it to Caiaphas and Pilate), in John 7:33, 34, and John 8:21; but there and then he added, "Ye will not find me," because they would only seek him in carnal ideas and angry disappointment. Observe, he does not here repeat this consequence of the search, because ultimately these disciples would not only seek, but follow and find; nevertheless, he adds: As I said to the Jews, Whither I go, you are not able to come; so at this time I say to you. There are two words used for "now" - νῦν denotes absolutely the present moment; ἄρτι (John 9:19, 25, etc.) denotes here and there, a period distinct from past and future, and yet related to both. The time is not yet come for you to enter into my glory; you cannot yet come, you have to continue my earthly ministry, to prolong the testimony which I have given concerning God, and which God has given concerning me. The time will come when "I will receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also;" but now he prays, "though I am no more in this world, these are in the world holy Father, keep them" (John 17:11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Little children,
Τεκνία (Teknia)
Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5040: A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.

I am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st 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.

with
μεθ’ (meth’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

only
ἔτι (eti)
Adverb
Strong's 2089: (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; 'yet, ' still.

a little while longer.
μικρὸν (mikron)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3398: Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).

You will look for
ζητήσετέ (zētēsete)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

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

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

as
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.

I said
εἶπον (eipon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews,
Ἰουδαίοις (Ioudaiois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

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

now
ἄρτι (arti)
Adverb
Strong's 737: Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now.

I say
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

to you:
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

‘Where
Ὅπου (Hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

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.

am going,
ὑπάγω (hypagō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5217: To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

cannot
δύνασθε (dynasthe)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

come.’
ἐλθεῖν (elthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064: To come, go.


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NT Gospels: John 13:33 Little children I will be with you (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 13:32
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