John 16:17
What does John 16:17 mean?
A plain-English look at John 16:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 16:17 means
The disciples whisper among themselves, puzzled by Jesus’ words about a “little while” and His going to the Father. Their confusion shows they have not yet grasped the necessity of His death and the hope of His resurrection. They try to make sense of timing without understanding purpose. This honest bewilderment is instructive: even earnest followers can be slow to understand divine plans. Their whispered questions are a grace, drawing out further explanation from Jesus. He is patient with their halting comprehension and will soon translate mystery into promise—teaching them that apparent delays and losses are labor pains, not dead ends.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Some of his disciples therefore said one to another, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye behold me not; and again a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Some of his disciples therefore said one to another, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye behold me not; and again a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So some of the disciples said one to another, What is this he is saying, After a little time, you will see me no longer; and then again, after a little time, you will see me? and, I am going to the Father?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Therefore said <FI>some<Fi> of his disciples one to another, `What is this that he saith to us, A little while, and ye do not behold me, and again a little while, and ye shall see me, and, Because I go away unto the Father?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then some of his disciples said one to another: What is this that he saith to us: A little while, and you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you shall see me, and, Because I go to the Father?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[Some] of his disciples therefore said to one another, What is this he says to us, A little while and ye do not behold me; and again a little while and ye shall see me, and, Because I go away to the Father?
Context
This verse records the disciples’ immediate response to the “little while” saying: confusion and mutual questioning. It emphasizes the gap between Jesus’ intention and their understanding. The narrative tension invites Jesus’ clarifying word. In the next verses, He will surface their desire to ask, restate the saying, and then explain the emotional journey they will undergo—sorrow, the world’s rejoicing, and then joy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 12:16
These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
- Luke 9:45
But they understood not this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
- John 14:5
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?
- Mark 9:10
And they kept the saying, questioning among themselves what the rising again from the dead should mean.
- John 16:5
But now I go unto him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
- John 16:19
Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?
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