Bible Strands
John 16:19
Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples immediately after they voice confusion over his repeated phrase “a little while.” He addresses them directly to preempt their unasked questions about his departure and return.
The words — Ἔγνω (Egnō) translates as “knew,” stating Jesus’ immediate awareness of the disciples’ intent. ἤθελον (ēthelon) means “they were desiring,” recording their internal hesitation to question him outright.
The thread — The phrase “a little while” appears in John 16:16 as the initial introduction and in John 14:19 to contrast the world’s blindness with the disciples’ future sight. John 16:30 records the disciples’ subsequent acknowledgment that Jesus knows all things without needing questions.
Why it lands — The text states that Jesus perceives unspoken doubts before they are voiced. It requires readers to acknowledge his authority over revelation and timing without demanding prior explanation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
Cross-references
- John 14:19 In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.
- John 16:16 In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.”
- John 16:30 Now we understand that You know all things and that You have no need for anyone to question You. Because of this, we believe that You came from God.”
- John 2:24 But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all.
- John 7:33 So Jesus said, “I am with you only a little while longer, and then I am going to the One who sent Me.
- John 13:33 Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
- Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
- Psalms 139:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
- Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
- Matthew 9:4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?