Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is a powerful hyperbole, not just about the volume of Jesus' deeds, but also about their profound depth and the sheer inability of human language to fully capture the infinite significance of His life. It suggests that the world itself, in all its capacity, would be overwhelmed by the complete record of His actions, highlighting the inexhaustible nature of Christ's identity and work.
Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse serves as a final, emphatic conclusion to the entire Gospel. Following Jesus' resurrection appearances and a specific interaction with Peter, the author reflects on the vastness of Jesus' life and ministry, asserting that even this Gospel, which already contains much, has only captured a fraction of all He did. The statement emphasizes the inexhaustible nature of Jesus' person and work, far exceeding anything that could be fully documented.
Ever felt like words just can't capture how amazing something is? John uses a bold literary tool here to express the sheer immensity of Jesus' life.
John 21:25 employs a hyperbole – an intentional exaggeration – to convey an idea. It's not meant to be taken literally, but rather to emphasize a profound truth.
Why Use Hyperbole?
This isn't a failure to record everything; it's a deliberate choice to highlight that what is recorded is sufficient for faith, while simultaneously hinting at the awe-inspiring, inexhaustible nature of Christ himself.
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Imagine a life so full, so impactful, that it spills over the edges of every possible record. That's the picture John paints of Jesus.
This final verse of John's Gospel isn't just about the quantity of Jesus' actions; it's about their quality and depth.
The Infinite Within the Finite
This statement isn't a sign of incomplete records, but a testament to the overwhelming fullness and glory of Jesus' human life, which continues to reveal God in ways we are still exploring.
This verse uses hyperbole to describe the ambition of humanity, similar to John 21:25's hyperbole about the immensity of Jesus' deeds. Both passages employ exaggeration to convey a sense of overwhelming scale.
Numbers 13:33The spies' description of themselves as 'grasshoppers' compared to the giants in Canaan is a classic example of hyperbole, much like John's statement that the world couldn't contain books about Jesus' deeds. Both illustrate the overwhelming nature of what is being described.
Psalm 40:5This psalm speaks of God's wondrous deeds being 'too many to declare,' echoing the sentiment in John 21:25. It highlights the inexhaustible nature of God's works and His goodness.
The description of Solomon's wisdom filling the earth with parables offers a parallel to the idea of Jesus' deeds being so numerous they could not be contained. Both passages emphasize an overwhelming abundance of accomplishments.
The blessing on those who read and hear the words of Revelation emphasizes the importance of the written Word. John 21:25, though a hyperbole about what *could* be written, ultimately points to the sufficiency of what *has* been written for our salvation.
barnesJohn 21:25: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."
Many other things - Many miracles, John 20:30 . Many discourses delivered, etc. I suppose ... - This is evidently the figure of speech called a hyperbole. It is a mode of speech where the words express more or less than is literally true. It is common among all writers; and as the sacred…
clarkeJohn 21:25: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."
Many other things - Before his disciples, is added by two MSS. The Scholia in several MSS. intimate that this verse is an addition; but it is found in every ancient version, and in Origen, Cyril, and Chrysostom. Could not contain, etc. - Origen's signification of the word χωρειν is to ad…
This verse is a powerful hyperbole, not just about the volume of Jesus' deeds, but also about their profound depth and the sheer inability of human language to fully capture the infinite significance of His life. It suggests that the world itself, in all its capacity, would be overwhelmed by the complete record of His actions, highlighting the inexhaustible nature of Christ's identity and work.
This verse serves as a final, emphatic conclusion to the entire Gospel. Following Jesus' resurrection appearances and a specific interaction with Peter, the author reflects on the vastness of Jesus' life and ministry, asserting that even this Gospel, which already contains much, has only captured a fraction of all He did. The statement emphasizes the inexhaustible nature of Jesus' person and work, far exceeding anything that could be fully documented.
This verse serves as a final, emphatic conclusion to the entire Gospel. Following Jesus' resurrection appearances and a specific interaction with Peter, the author reflects on the vastness of Jesus' life and ministry, asserting that even this Gospel, which already contains much, has only captured a fraction of all He did. The statement emphasizes the inexhaustible nature of Jesus' person and work, far exceeding anything that could be fully documented.
"Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." — This verse is a powerful hyperbole, not just about the volume of Jesus' deeds, but also about their profound depth and the sheer inability of human language to fully capture the infinite significan…
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Last reviewed October 2026