Joh 14:6-9 | RWP | e4.org | I am the way, and the truth, and the life ( Εγω ειμ η οδος κα η αληθεια κα η ζωη ). Either of these statements is profound enough to stagger any one, but here all three together overwhelm Thomas. Jesus had called himself "the life" to Martha ( ) and "the door" to the Pharisees ( ) and "the light of the world" ( ). He spoke "the way of God in truth" ( ). He is the way to God and the only way (verse ), the personification of truth, the centre of life. Except by me ( ε μη δι' εμου ). There is no use for the Christian to wince at these words of Jesus. If he is really the Incarnate Son of God ( , , , they are necessarily true.

‏ John 14:6-9

I am the way, and the truth, and the life ( Εγω ειμ η οδος κα η αληθεια κα η ζωη ). Either of these statements is profound enough to stagger any one, but here all three together overwhelm Thomas. Jesus had called himself "the life" to Martha (11:25) and "the door" to the Pharisees (10:7) and "the light of the world" (8:12). He spoke "the way of God in truth" (Mr 12:14). He is the way to God and the only way (verse 6), the personification of truth, the centre of life.

Except by me ( ε μη δι' εμου ). There is no use for the Christian to wince at these words of Jesus. If he is really the Incarnate Son of God (1:1, 14, 18, they are necessarily true.

If ye had known me ( ε εγνωκειτε με ). Past perfect indicative of γινωσκω, to know by personal experience, in condition of second class as is made plain by the conclusion ( αν ηιδετε ) where οιδα, not γινωσκω is used. Thomas and the rest had not really come to know Jesus, much as they loved him.

From henceforth ye know him ( απ' αρτ γινωσκετε αυτον ). Probably inchoative present active indicative, "ye are beginning to know the Father from now on."

And have seen him ( κα εωρακατε ). Perfect active indicative of οραω. Because they had seen Jesus who is the Son of God, the Image of God, and like God (1:18). Hence God is like Jesus Christ. It is a bold and daring claim to deity. The only intelligible conception of God is precisely what Jesus here says. God is like Christ.

Show us ( δειξον ημιν ). Philip now speaks up, possibly hoping for a theophany (Ex 33:18f.), certainly not grasping the idea of Jesus just expressed.

So long time ( τοσουτον χρονον ). Accusative of extent of time.

And dost thou not know me? ( κα ουκ εγνωκας με; ). Perfect active indicative of γινωσκω. Jesus patiently repeats his language to Philip with the crisp statement: "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" ( ο εωρακως εμε εωρακεν τον πατερα ). Perfect active participle and perfect active indicative of οραω, state of completion.

Thou ( συ ). Emphatic--After these years together.