John 16:29
What does John 16:29 mean?
A plain-English look at John 16:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 16:29 means
The disciples respond that Jesus is now speaking plainly, not in figures. They sense greater clarity, likely because He summed up His mission directly. Their reaction shows hunger for understanding and relief at straightforward words. Yet their self-assurance is premature. They think they have grasped the plan, but their faith still needs the refining of the cross and the Spirit’s illumination. This verse captures a common spiritual moment: initial comprehension that will soon be stretched by events. Jesus will receive their confession while also exposing its fragility, preparing them for failure that does not cancel His care or the Father’s presence with Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His disciples say, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no dark saying.
KJV
King James Version · 1611His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His disciples say, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no dark saying.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His disciples said, Now you are talking clearly and not in veiled language.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862His disciples say to him, `Lo, now freely thou dost speak, and no similitude speakest thou;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His disciples say to him: Behold, now thou speakest plainly and speakest no proverb.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890His disciples say to him, Lo, now thou speakest openly and utterest no allegory.
Context
Following Jesus’ mission summary, this verse records the disciples’ relief and claim of clarity. It sets up their further assertion in the next verse about Jesus’ knowledge and their belief in His divine origin. The sequence builds to Jesus’ probing question—“Do you now believe?”—and His sobering prophecy of their imminent scattering. This tension will give way to His closing word of peace and conquest.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 16:25
These 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.
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