New Testament
John 7:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"What does he mean by saying, 'You will look for me and will not find me,' and 'Where I am, you cannot come'?"
Compare translations
What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
What John 7:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks to a crowd during the Feast of Tabernacles, expressing a profound truth about his impending departure. He indicates that there will come a time when people will seek him but will be unable to find him. This statement foreshadows his crucifixion and ascension, where he will no longer be physically present on earth. The phrase 'where I am, you cannot come' suggests a spiritual separation between Jesus and those who do not believe in him. This moment highlights the urgency of recognizing Jesus' identity and the importance of faith in him. The crowd is confused, questioning what he means, reflecting their lack of understanding about his mission and the nature of his kingdom. This passage invites readers to consider the implications of seeking Jesus and the necessity of responding to his call before it is too late.
How to apply John 7:36 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus. Are we actively seeking him in our lives? It reminds us that understanding his message is crucial, and we should not delay in pursuing a deeper faith and connection with him before it's too late.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: At the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:10–52)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 7:36
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 7:36
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 7:36 mean?
In John 7:36, Jesus tells the crowd that they will seek him but won't find him, indicating his upcoming departure from the earth. This foreshadows his crucifixion and ascension, highlighting the importance of recognizing his identity and the urgency of faith.
What is the meaning of 'You will look for me and will not find me' in John 7:36?
The phrase 'You will look for me and will not find me' signifies that there will be a time when Jesus will no longer be physically present, emphasizing the need for people to seek him while they can.
What does 'Where I am, you cannot come' mean in John 7:36?
'Where I am, you cannot come' suggests a spiritual separation between Jesus and those who do not believe in him, indicating that understanding and faith in him are necessary to be with him.
How does John 7:36 relate to faith?
John 7:36 emphasizes the urgency of faith, as it highlights that seeking Jesus is crucial for understanding his message and being in a relationship with him before his physical presence is gone.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.