John 14:29
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
John 14:29 · King James Version
Meaning
Here, the verse is highlighting the importance of prophecy as a means of building faith and belief in the word of God. By foretelling events before they happen, God shows His sovereignty and omniscience, proving His power and authority to His followers. This verse emphasizes the significance of prophecy in strengthening the faith of believers, as it serves as evidence of God's existence and His control over all things. When prophecies come to pass as foretold, it serves as a confirmation of the truth of God's word, leading individuals to believe in His promises and trust in His divine plan. Therefore, by sharing prophecies ahead of time, God provides His followers with a firm foundation on which to build their faith and conviction, ultimately leading them to a deeper relationship with Him.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, preparing them for events that are about to unfold. The phrase "before it come to pass" indicates that Jesus is foretelling future events to his followers, demonstrating his omniscience and foreknowledge of what is to come. By sharing this information with his disciples ahead of time, Jesus is giving them the opportunity to witness the fulfillment of his prophecies, strengthening their faith and belief in him as the Messiah. This act of foretelling and fulfillment serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' authority and divinity, reinforcing the disciples' trust in his teachings and ultimately leading them to a deeper and more profound belief in him as the Son of God. Through this process, Jesus not only demonstrates his intimate knowledge of future events but also encourages his disciples to have unwavering faith in his word and promises.
John 14:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe.
World English Bible
Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe.
Douay-Rheims
And now I have told you before it come to pass: that when it shall come to pass, you may believe.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And nowe haue I spoken vnto you, before it come, that when it is come to passe, ye might beleeue.