John 16:1
What does John 16:1 mean?
A plain-English look at John 16:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 16:1 means
Jesus explains that His warnings are protective. He is not trying to frighten His disciples but to steady them. When trials come, they will be tempted to lose footing—emotionally, spiritually, and in their witness. By telling them ahead of time, He arms their minds and hearts so that hardship will not surprise them into unbelief or retreat. This verse shows Christ’s pastoral care: truth told in advance becomes a guardrail. He wants His followers to endure with clarity, knowing their difficulties fit within God’s plan. Preparedness against offense is itself a grace, and forewarning becomes a means by which faith is preserved when the path grows rough.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be caused to stumble.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be caused to stumble.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have said these things to you so that you may not be in doubt.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`These things I have spoken to you, that ye may not be stumbled,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These things have I spoken to you things have I spoken to you that you may not be scandalized.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These things I have spoken unto you that ye may not be offended.
Context
This verse opens a new section of Jesus’ farewell discourse, continuing themes from the prior chapter about the world’s hatred. He moves from describing hostility to explaining why He has spoken at length: to prevent stumbling. The next verses will specify the forms of persecution awaiting them. Hearing this purpose statement prepares readers to understand the severe predictions that follow not as doom but as shepherdly care aimed at perseverance.
v.1This passage
v.2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you shall think that he offereth service unto God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 2:8
and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
- Matthew 26:31
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended in me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
- John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
- Matthew 13:21
yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.
- Matthew 11:6
And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.
- John 15:18
If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.
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