John 16:25
What does John 16:25 mean?
A plain-English look at John 16:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 16:25 means
Jesus acknowledges that He has spoken in figures—indirect sayings that hinted at truths the disciples could not yet bear. But an hour is coming when He will speak plainly of the Father. This points to the clarity that will come after His death, resurrection, and the Spirit’s illumination. God’s fatherhood, His purposes in Christ, and the way to Him will be set forth without riddles. The veiled phase will give way to transparency. This promise dignifies the disciples’ struggle while giving hope: ambiguity is temporary. The gospel events will decode the parables of the farewell discourse, making the Father’s heart and plan unmistakably known.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All this I have said to you in veiled language: but the time is coming when I will no longer say things in veiled language but will give you knowledge of the Father clearly.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`These things in similitudes I have spoken to you, but there cometh an hour when no more in similitudes will I speak to you, but freely of the Father, will tell you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh when I will no longer speak to you in proverbs, but will shew you plainly of the Father.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These things I have spoken to you in allegories; the hour is coming that I will no longer speak to you in allegories, but will declare to you openly concerning the Father.
Context
After promising effective prayer in His name, Jesus addresses the manner of His teaching. He explains the present use of figurative speech and promises a coming clarity. This prepares for the next two verses, which speak of asking in His name and the Father’s direct love for the disciples. The flow moves from method (figurative to plain) to relationship (mediated to direct), deepening their assurance about prayer and the Father’s heart.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2
but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
- John 16:2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you shall think that he offereth service unto God.
- Psalms 78:2
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,
- John 16:28
I came out from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go unto the Father.
- Acts 2:33
Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.
- John 10:6
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
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