Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I personally do not think that any inferences are to be drawn from this verse concerning the nature of the dwellings of the redeemed in eternity. In my opinion, Jesus' emphasis was on the word "many". 

Just prior to this passage, Peter had expressed a concern about why he couldn't go with Jesus immediately (John 13:37).

The apostles may not also have been sufficiently clear on where Jesus was going or how to get there (John 14:5), which would have increased their questioning about the future.

This sense of uncertainty on the part of the apostles may have been further heightened by the fact that Peter even received a mild rebuke from Jesus in connection with his questioning (John 13:38).

Also, underlying this may have been speculation among the apostles about whether any or all of them might be excluded from Jesus' presence at His destination, especially if they could not accompany him immediately (as indicated by His words in John 13:33, which had led to Peter's earlier question).

So, in the very next verses (John 14:1-2), Jesus told all of them (and, by extension, all Christians down to the present day) not to let their hearts be troubled, and He spoke the words cited in the question to assure them that there was room enough in His Father's house for anyone who sought eternal residence there, and (for added emphasis) also said that, if that were not the case, He would not be telling them that He was going to prepare a place for them, specifically so that they could be with Him.

January 20 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Kenneth Heck Supporter

In my opinion, the Father's house is specifically the New Jerusalem, which is now in heaven, but will be descending to earth in the future. The "many rooms" refer to the living areas for those worthy of residing in the New Jerusalem. Even David mentioned in Psalm 23 that he will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

There are also other rooms, for instance, for judgment (Matt 19:28), where the apostles will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel in the resurrection.

January 21 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Good question, Tom!

First, see the big picture: 

Christ’s Legacies to His Disciples
1 His Example of lowly love John 13:15
2 His Promise of a Home above John 14:2-3
3 His Spirit as their Comforter John 14:16-18
4 His Peace to keep them from fear John 14:27
5 His Joy to remain with them John 15:11

The Greek word mone is translated “mansions” in John 14:2 and “abode” in John 14:23. It simply means“ rooms, abiding places.”

Jesus described heaven as a house with “many rooms,” a figure of speech for unlimited space. The main thing here is that wherever His followers would be (Heaven), they would be there with Jesus too! Be assured of Heaven though you may not have a full understanding of it. 

Jesus Christ is now preparing places for all true believers, and each place will be beautiful. When He was here on earth, Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). Now that He has returned to glory, He is building a church on earth and a home for that church in heaven.


There’ll be room enough in Heaven,
There’ll be room enough for me.
If I bear the cross of Jesus,
And a faithful follower be.

There’ll be room enough in Heaven,
With the ransomed gone before,
If we keep the narrow pathway,
Entering in thro’ Christ the Door.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessèd
He’ll prepare for us a place.

When our eyes behold the city, with its many mansions bright,
And its river, calm and restful, flowing free;
When the friends that death hath parted shall in bliss again unite,
What a gath’ring and a greeting there will be!

July 09 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Merick Supporter

Revelation 21:16 speaks of the city: "The city was shaped like a cube, because it was just as high as it was wide. When the angel measured the city, it was about 2,400 kilometers high and 2,400 kilometers wide." If this was not that same as what Jesus was speaking of, why would we need two residences? I do believe that this is the same as the "many rooms" Jesus spoke of in John 14. As stated before this will be in heaven, then will descend to Earth during the reign of our King Jesus.

April 29 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report