John 16:19
What does John 16:19 mean?
A plain-English look at John 16:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 16:19 means
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, brings their questions into the open. He repeats their concern about the “little while” and promises to address it. His initiative models how He engages our unspoken fears. By acknowledging their desire to ask, He dignifies their confusion and creates a bridge to His forthcoming assurance. He does not scold them for misunderstanding but leads them from inquiry to insight. This sets the stage for His solemn assurance that deep sorrow will be followed by deeper joy. Christ the Teacher reads hearts and then answers needs, moving them from anxious speculation about timing to firm hope in God’s transforming work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus 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?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus 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?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus saw that they had a desire to put the question to him, so he said to them, Is this what you are questioning one with another, why I said, After a little time, you will see me no longer; and then again, after a little time, you will see me?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus, therefore, knew that they were wishing to ask him, and he said to them, `Concerning this do ye seek one with another, because I said, A little while, and you do not behold me, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask him. And he said to them: Of this do you inquire among yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see me; and again a little while, and you shall see me?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus knew therefore that they desired to demand of him, and said to them, Do ye inquire of this among yourselves that I said, A little while and ye do not behold me; and again a little while and ye shall see me?
Context
This verse transitions from the disciples’ whispered uncertainty to Jesus’ explicit engagement. By restating their question, He invites trust and attentiveness. What follows is a solemn promise about their emotional journey—tears now, joy later—culminating in an analogy that makes the process intelligible: childbirth. The sequence moves from question to assurance, laying the groundwork for unshakable joy and new access to the Father in prayer.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 16:16
A little while, and ye behold me no more; and again a little while, and ye shall see me.
- Psalms 139:1
O Jehovah, thou hast searched me, and knownme.
- John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
- Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
- Hebrews 4:13
And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
- John 13:33
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.
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