You know
The phrase "You know" is a direct address to the disciples, indicating a level of familiarity and understanding that Jesus expects from them. In the Greek, the word used is "οἴδατε" (oidate), which implies not just knowledge but an intimate, experiential understanding. This suggests that Jesus is reminding His disciples of the teachings and experiences they have shared with Him, which have prepared them for what is to come. From a conservative Christian perspective, this emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, where knowledge of Him is not merely intellectual but deeply personal and transformative.

the way
"The way" in Greek is "ὁδός" (hodos), which can mean a road, path, or journey. In the context of John's Gospel, "the way" is a profound metaphor for the spiritual journey and the path to salvation through Jesus Christ. Historically, early Christians were known as followers of "The Way," highlighting their commitment to living according to the teachings of Jesus. This phrase underscores the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ as the only path to God, aligning with the conservative Christian belief in the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation.

to the place
The phrase "to the place" refers to the destination Jesus is preparing for His followers. The Greek word "τόπος" (topos) can mean a physical location or a metaphorical space. In the context of John 14, it points to the heavenly dwelling Jesus promises to prepare for His disciples. This reflects the eschatological hope in Christianity, where believers anticipate an eternal home with God. The conservative Christian view holds that this promise is a source of comfort and assurance, affirming the reality of heaven and the believer's future with Christ.

where I am going
"Where I am going" speaks to Jesus' impending departure through His death, resurrection, and ascension. The Greek phrase "ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω" (hopou egō hypagō) indicates a purposeful movement towards a specific goal. Historically, this reflects Jesus' mission to fulfill the Father's will and prepare a place for His followers. From a conservative perspective, this phrase highlights the sovereignty and foreknowledge of Christ, who is in control of His destiny and the ultimate plan of redemption. It reassures believers of Jesus' active role in securing their eternal future and His ongoing presence with them through the Holy Spirit.

(4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.--The better reading is, And whither I go, ye know the way, i.e., "Ye know that I am the way to the Father, whither I am going." (Comp. John 14:6, and John 13:33.) They did not, indeed, fully know this, but the means of knowing it was within their reach, and His own words had declared it. (Comp., e.g., John 10:1; John 11:25.) They ought to have known it, and His words now are meant to contrast what they ought to have known with what they really did know, in order that He may more fully instruct them. To know our ignorance, is the first step to its removal.

Verse 4. - Instead of "Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know," R.T. reads, Ye know the way whither I am going. Some valuable manuscripts and versions, also the bulk of the cursives, Cyril and Chrysostom, sustain the T.R.; nor have Hengstenberg or Gorier departed from it. The construction of the amended reading is harsh and awkward, but considering the point-blank contradiction which Thomas gives to the words in Ver. 5, the truncated reading is probably the true one. Great emphasis is laid upon the ἐγώ. They ought to have known, if they did not know, after his telling them so frequently of the way he was taking through suffering, self-sacrifice, and aloneness, by spiritual processes rather than secular triumphs, by giving his life a ransom for many, by laying it down that he might take it again. He assumes, he even assures them, that whithersoever he may be going, and however vague may be his goal their ideas, they at least must comprehend the way by which he intended to reach it. Peter in any case ought to have been clear about it; more than once had he been rebuked for such worldly conceptions as beclouded his surer judgment.

Parallel Commentaries ...


You know
οἴδατε (oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

way
ὁδόν (hodon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

to the place 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.


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NT Gospels: John 14:4 Where I go you know and you (Jhn Jo Jn)